Nicknamed “Fast Eddie” because of his devastating first step, Eddie Johnson died of an unknown illness on October 26 at the age of 65. Confirmed on Tuesday, his death occurred in a Florida prison, where he was serving his life imprisonment.
Selected in 49th position by the Hawks, during the 1977 Draft, Eddie Johnson (not to be confused with his namesake, best sixth man in the league with the Suns in 1989) was mainly known for his years spent as a holder in Atlanta. Between 1977 and 1986, the one who evolved as a playmaker will help his franchise reach the playoffs six times – without ever doing better than two conference semi-finals – alongside John Drew, Dan Roundfield and Dominique Wilkins.
In Georgia, “Fast Eddie” will gradually establish himself as one of the most complete leaders of his generation, being able to weigh on either side of the floor. He will also experience two participations in the All-Star Game, in 1980 and 1981, at a time when he played the best basketball of his (short) career.
Banned for life from the NBA in 1987
Effectively curtailed, Eddie Johnson’s NBA adventure ended in pudding, in 1987, after two more complicated passages with the Cavaliers and the Sonics. Non-sporting concerns, and more particularly his addiction for cocaine, led him to be outright banned from the league in 1987.
The beginning of a long and inexorable descent into hell for “Fast Eddie”, which will then chain crimes of all kinds. In 2008, he will be sentenced to life imprisonment for having committed sexual assault on an 8-year-old girl.
In ten seasons in the NBA, and 675 games played, Eddie Johnson has statistics of 15.1 points (at 48% on shots), 2.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 interceptions per game.
Double All-Star and twice member of an All-Defensive team, he has never been better than during his 1980-81 campaign, which ended with 19.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.7 interceptions on average.
