James Johnson
A versatile forward whose path crossed many cities, yet left no lasting imprint on Memphis.
James Patrick Johnson, born February 20, 1987, is an American professional basketball player whose career spanned multiple NBA franchises but notably excluded a tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies. While often associated with other teams like the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, his time in Memphis was non-existent according to official records. He entered the league as the 16th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Bulls and became known for his versatility as a power forward. Although he played for the Grizzlies from December 16, 2013, to July 17, 2014, this stint was brief compared to his longer stints elsewhere. His journey included significant moments with the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat, but his connection to Memphis remains a footnote rather than a defining chapter in his professional story.
- Draft Year
- 2009
- Draft Position
- 16th overall
- Teams Played For
- Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Memp
- Career High Points (NBA)
- 31 points (March 19, 2018 vs. Denver Nuggets)
- Memphis Tenure
- December 16, 2013 - July 17, 2014
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
James Johnson's career is defined by frequent moves and adaptability across the NBA landscape. Drafted 16th overall in 2009 by the Chicago Bulls, he quickly made an impact as a starting power forward for Wake Forest before turning professional. His early years saw him assigned to the Iowa Energy in January 2011 before being recalled just weeks later. A trade to the Toronto Raptors followed shortly after, marking the beginning of his journey across the league. In December 2013, Johnson signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, a move that briefly placed him within the franchise's orbit. However, this tenure was short-lived, ending less than eight months later when he returned to the Toronto Raptors in July 2014. During his time elsewhere, particularly with the Heat and Nets, Johnson showcased his dynamic playstyle, including a memorable dunk on Andre Drummond that sparked a melee and became a viral moment among Raptor fans. Despite these highlights, his brief stint with Memphis did not result in any significant milestones or lasting legacies within the franchise's history.
In Their Own Story
On December 16, 2013, James Johnson joined the Memphis Grizzlies, hoping to contribute to a team known for its gritty identity. However, his time there lasted only until July 17, 2014, when he was traded back to the Toronto Raptors. During this brief period, Johnson did not achieve any standout performances or record-breaking moments that would cement his place in Grizzlies lore. His departure marked the end of a fleeting chapter, leaving little trace on the franchise's narrative. In contrast, Johnson found more success and recognition elsewhere. With the Miami Heat, he scored a career-high 31 points in a double-overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on March 19, 2018. Later, with the Brooklyn Nets, he logged a season-high 19 points in a narrow loss to the Toronto Raptors on March 1, 2022. These moments highlight his ability to shine under pressure, even if Memphis remained an unremarkable stop in his journey.
Reader's Guide
James Johnson's association with the Memphis Grizzlies is minimal and lacks any defining characteristics or achievements. Fans seeking information about his impact on the franchise will find little to explore beyond the fact that he played there briefly from December 2013 to July 2014. His playing style, while versatile, did not leave a lasting impression during this short stint. For those interested in Johnson's broader career, notable highlights include his game-winning three-pointer for the Sacramento Kings on December 28, 2012, and his re-signing with the Indiana Pacers in July 2024. These moments underscore his adaptability and resilience throughout his professional journey. However, when it comes to Memphis, his legacy is best described as nonexistent within the franchise's canon.
Did You Know?
- James Johnson was the starting power forward for Wake Forest Demon Deacons from 2007 to 2009.
- He hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer for the Sacramento Kings on December 28, 2012.
- Johnson famously dunked on Andre Drummond in 2014, sparking a melee that became iconic among Raptors fans.
- He is of African-American and Samoan heritage and holds a black belt in karate.
- In 2025, Johnson was ejected during Game 6 of the NBA Finals after a hard shove with under a minute remaining.