DerMarr Johnson, American basketball player

DerMarr Miles Johnson, born on May 5, 1980, is an American former professional basketball player whose career spanned seven seasons in the highly competitive National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his athletic prowess and a journey marked by both early promise and formidable challenges, Johnson’s story is one of remarkable resilience.

A Stellar Collegiate Prospect and Early NBA Hopes

Before his professional career, Johnson was a basketball sensation at the high school level. His exceptional talent earned him consensus All-American honors from prestigious outlets like McDonald's, Parade Magazine, and USA Today. Capping off a stellar senior year in 1999, he was also recognized as Parade's National High School Player of the Year, a testament to his dominance on the court. He then took his talents to the University of Cincinnati, a formidable college basketball program at the time. There, he played alongside several future NBA talents, including Kenyon Martin, Kenny Satterfield, and fellow draftee Steve Logan, before deciding to declare for the NBA Draft after just one season.

His impressive collegiate showing led to him being selected sixth overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2000 NBA Draft. This high draft pick, placing him within the coveted "lottery" selections, indicated the immense potential scouts saw in Johnson. During his two seasons with the Hawks, he demonstrated glimpses of his ability, averaging 6.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

A Life-Altering Accident and Miraculous Return

Tragedy struck on September 13, 2002, when Johnson was involved in a severe car accident. His blue Mercedes-Benz S600 crashed into a tree and subsequently caught fire. As one of three occupants in the vehicle, none of whom were definitively determined to be driving, Johnson sustained grave injuries, including four cracked vertebrae in his neck. This devastating injury brought him perilously close to paralysis, casting serious doubts on whether he would ever be able to play basketball again. Fitted with a halo brace to stabilize his neck during the arduous recovery period, Johnson was sidelined for the entirety of the 2002-03 NBA season, a profound setback for a young player just finding his footing in the league.

Remarkably, Johnson's journey back to the professional hardwood began in October 2003, a testament to his determination. He initially signed with the Phoenix Suns, though he was waived just two weeks later without having played a game for the franchise. Undeterred, he sought opportunities in the American Basketball Association (ABA), playing 19 games with the Long Beach Jam, a move that allowed him to regain his form and prove his fitness. His perseverance paid off when he re-signed with the NBA, joining the New York Knicks.

The following season, in 2004-05, marked a significant turning point and a true rejuvenation of his NBA career. Playing for the Denver Nuggets, Johnson participated in 71 games, showcasing his renewed abilities and contributing significantly to the team. He averaged 7.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 49.9 percent from the field, demonstrating his full recovery and ability to impact NBA games. He continued with the Nuggets through the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, averaging around 5 points on 40 percent shooting across 97 games, cementing his place back in the league after his near career-ending injury.

Global Ventures and Post-Playing Career

After his most extended NBA tenure, Johnson's career took him across the globe. In August 2007, he reportedly signed with Italian team Pallacanestro Treviso, though this move was short-lived. He quickly returned to the United States, joining the NBA Development League's (now G-League) Austin Toros, an affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs. During his 10 games with the Toros, he put up strong numbers, averaging 15.8 points and 6 rebounds, proving he still possessed the skills to compete at a high level.

His performance earned him another shot in the NBA when he signed with the San Antonio Spurs on December 29, 2007, filling a roster spot after the team waived rookie guard Marcus Williams. However, his second stint with an NBA team was brief, as he was released on January 7, 2008, only to be re-signed by the Spurs in April of the same year. Following these professional experiences, Johnson explored international opportunities, signing with Hekmeh in Lebanon in October 2010. His global basketball journey continued with the Colombian League team Bukaros in September 2011, and he later played for Barako Bull Energy in the Philippines in 2012, before competing in Argentina and Venezuela.

Even after his professional career concluded, Johnson remained involved in competitive basketball. He is a regular participant in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), an annual single-elimination tournament offering a substantial prize. As a forward for Team City of Gods, he notably helped his squad reach the semifinals in 2015, where they ultimately fell to Overseas Elite with a score of 84-71.

Beyond playing, DerMarr Johnson has also transitioned into coaching and completed his education. On January 25, 2017, his alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, hired him as a student assistant coach for the men's basketball team. This role provided him with the opportunity to complete his college degree, which he had put on hold when he left for the NBA after his freshman year, bringing his journey full circle back to the institution where his basketball dreams first truly took flight.

FAQs About DerMarr Johnson

What was DerMarr Johnson's most impactful NBA season?

His most impactful season in the NBA was arguably the 2004-05 campaign with the Denver Nuggets, where he played 71 games and averaged 7.1 points on 49.9 percent field goal shooting, marking a significant comeback after his accident.

What severe injury did DerMarr Johnson suffer?

DerMarr Johnson suffered a life-threatening injury on September 13, 2002, when he cracked four vertebrae in his neck during a car accident, an injury that nearly caused paralysis and put his career in jeopardy.

Did DerMarr Johnson complete his college degree?

Yes, DerMarr Johnson returned to the University of Cincinnati in 2017 as a student assistant coach, which allowed him to complete his degree after leaving college early to pursue his NBA career.

Which NBA teams did DerMarr Johnson play for?

During his seven seasons in the NBA, DerMarr Johnson played for the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, and San Antonio Spurs.

What is DerMarr Johnson doing now?

As of 2017, DerMarr Johnson joined the University of Cincinnati as a student assistant coach for the men's basketball team to complete his degree. He also continues to compete in The Basketball Tournament (TBT).