Eddie Johnson (basketball, born 1955)

Edward Lee "Fast Eddie" Johnson, Jr. (born February 24, 1955) is a retired American professional basketball player. A 6'2" guard from Auburn University, Johnson played 10 seasons (1977–1987) in the NBA, mainly as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. Eddie's younger brother Frank played and coached in the NBA, also being a guard.

He represented the Hawks in two NBA All-Star Games (1980 and 1981) and scored 10,163 points in his career. As a player, he was known for his great speed and slashing ability, with a capable outside shot. However, Johnson is known today for how his life spiraled out of control, beginning with his expulsion from the NBA.

Basketball career

A product of Auburn University, Johnson joined the Atlanta Hawks as a relatively unsung prospect; 48 players were chosen before the Hawks selected him in the third round of the 1977 NBA Draft. Johnson spent his first season sharing time in the backcourt with 5-foot-8 Charlie Criss. Averaging 10.5 points, the rookie helped the Hawks return to the playoffs after a four-year absence, a feat repeated in six of Johnson’s eight full years with the club.

With Criss injured the following year, Johnson became a starter in 1978–79. During that season, Johnson advanced as far as he ever would in pursuit of an NBA ring, losing in the conference semifinals to the Washington Bullets. He was a starter four consecutive seasons, averaging at least 16 points each season. In only his third year in the league, fans...
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