The point guard who outplayed Magic Johnson and led a franchise revival
In short: Before becoming the mayor of Sacramento, Kevin Johnson was an NBA powerhouse. A rare talent who averaged 20 points and 12 assists, he famously outplayed Magic Johnson in the 1990 playoffs, helping transform the Phoenix Suns from a losing team into a perennial championship contender.
Kevin Johnson's impact on the Phoenix Suns was transformative. After being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 1988, he helped turn a moribund franchise into a dominant force. From 1989 to 1995, the Suns' first seven complete seasons in Phoenix saw them secure more regular season victories than any other NBA team, with a 56-win seasonal average. He arrived in Phoenix via a trade involving Larry Nance and Mike Sanders. This move helped spark a period of unprecedented success for the organisation.
Johnson's statistical profile was elite. Joining Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas, he was among just three NBA players to record season averages of 20+ points and 12+ assists. He also joined Oscar Robertson and Isiah Thomas as the only players to average at least 20 points and 10 assists for three consecutive seasons. He also achieved this feat alongside Oscar Robertson and Isiah Thomas. This rare consistency cemented his status as one of the league's premier playmakers.
However, his career was shadowed by a grueling physical struggle. For four years, Johnson played with an undiagnosed sports hernia, a condition that caused him to miss 109 regular season games between 1992 and 1996. It was only during surgery in the fall of 1996 that doctors discovered the second, 'hidden' hernia that had been plaguing him. This medical issue was only identified during a surgical procedure in late 1996. The discovery revealed the extent of the damage caused by the hidden injury.
Beyond the court, Johnson transitioned into a significant political figure. Having obtained a B.A. in political science at U.C. Berkeley, he made history as the first African American mayor of Sacramento, serving from 2008 to 2016. His tenure was marked by education initiatives like Stand UP and Sacramento READS! He earned his degree from the University of California, Berkeley. This academic background supported his successful transition into public office.
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