16th Pick With a Roundhouse Kick — James Johnson

“What martial arts did for me growing up, I feel like that’s the only thing I’m going to force Naymin to do”. His son’s name inked across his neck, James Johnson hopes that martial arts will be able to help Naymin learn valuable life lessons. Lessons that James struggled with early in his NBA career. Letting his ego govern his actions, disrespecting authority or trying to do too much instead of playing to his strengths. The African-American Samoan from Cheyenne, Wyoming developed his confidence while training mixed-martial arts under the tutelage of his father Willie, a 7 time world champion in kickboxing. With 8 siblings, all varying degrees of black belts, it’s obvious where Johnson developed his competitive spirit. Even his mother Vi won 5 national titles in kickboxing under the nickname “Vicious”.

James is 20–0 in kickboxing, 7–0 in MMA competitions and owns 7 karate world titles. When he was 18 a fight promoter needed a last minute replacement in an MMA match and contacted Willie. In his first MMA fight ever James volunteered to square-off against a 31 year old veteran martial artist named Damon Clark. Johnson came out in unlaced Jordans with Lil’ Wayne’s “Hit Em Up” as his introduction. Johnson did just that, landing a roundhouse early in the bout countering a Clark takedown attempt. Clark tried once more to take Johnson to the ground, but Johnson flipped him over, pinned his arm to the ground and landed a fury of punches. James’ first professional fight lasted 1 minute and 27 seconds.

The demeanour and attitude that was developed and shaped through martial arts translated into basketball. James dominated on the court at Cheyenne East High School and was recruited by Wake Forest. Averaging 14.6 and 8 rebounds, he played well on offense, but defense quickly became his defining attribute. Johnson and current all star Jeff Teague committed to Wake Forest University at the same time and helped turn the program back into a A.C.C. contender. The school had struggled since the days of Tim Duncan. Wake Forest never made it to the N.C.A.A. tournament during Johnson’s tenure but scouts quickly took notice of his unique defensive ability and how fluently he moved his 6’ 9” frame.

James was drafted 16th overall by the Chicago bulls in the 2009 draft but never had a significant role with the team, averaging 11 minutes per game. The Bulls sent him to the D-League and then traded him to the Toronto Raptors for a first round pick. Johnson saw his minutes skyrocket on a struggling and shallow Raptors team. He quickly became a fan favourite for his physical play and no-nonsense attitude. It seemed like James had finally found a suitable home but he felt like he wasn’t being utilized enough offensively and butted heads with Jay Triano and eventually Dwayne Casey. It was Dwayne’s first year as head coach and he sent a message to his players that he would not be undermined, shipping Johnson to the Kings for merely a 2nd round pick. Discouraged by Toronto’s hasty decision in 54 games for Sacramento he seemed to lack the energy and conviction that martial arts had instilled in him.

2013 saw Johnson fall to the D-League but he didn’t stay down long. Used to being knocked down, he got right back up and swung harder than ever before. Johnson seemed renewed and as he easily outclassed his opponents over a stretch of 10 games, it was obvious he belonged in the NBA. The Grizzlies saw his potential, and how his game suited their gritty, blue-collar style of play and signed him to a contract. The minutes were sporadic and his role minor but Johnson was playing for an NBA franchise, a playoff one at that. He even played 18 minutes in game 6 of a 2014 playoff series against the Thunder, called in to try to cool off Kevin Durant.

James signed a 2 year deal with the Raptors in the summer of 2014 showing that Toronto had faith in his abilities, and that he matured since his last stint with the team. Toronto knew that when James Johnson returned to the Raptors he would bring defense and a casual arrogance with him. What was unexpected was his powerful drives to the basket and near flawless finishing capability. Ever since James “Cocked that joint back and banged on em”, fans across the GTA and Canada have been calling for Johnson to see extended minutes. Dwayne Casey answered the fan’s call, placing him in the starting lineup since his return from a mild injury. James has embraced his new role, adding consistency and an interior presence on a team with a plethora of inconsistent jump shooters. On the offensive end J.J. plays with a cool confidence. Never forcing his shot, but always ready to slash decisively towards the basket and finish however the situation requires. While his offense is more than welcome, his defensive intensity and versatility has always been his calling card. In a decisive Raptors win over the Clippers, he did an excellent job guarding Blake Griffin, forcing him to play mostly on the perimeter. Later the same game he was assigned to Chris Paul and was equally as successful.

This wasn’t Paul’s first encounter with James Johnson. Paul, a Wake Forest alumni as well, invited James to his house back when James’ was a college freshman. Paul was skeptical about the 6’ 9” forward’s martial arts prowess, and bet that he wasn’t flexible enough to kick his face. Johnson then whizzed a roundhouse millimeters from Chris’ mug. That won’t be the last time that an NBA all star will be scared of J.J., now it’s for different reasons.