OT: Ex-Celtic DJ dies at 52

[PatsRI]

http://www.sportsline.com/

He died at practice as coach of the Austin Toros of the D-League.

I'll always remember the play where Bird stole the ball against Detroit and DJ was there to lay it in. Also it seems he would always hit the big shot at the top of the key against the Lakers. RIP DJ.

First Red, now DJ. Never mind the record it is a dark year in Celtics history.

Some stats:
Johnson played in five NBA All-Star games and was named to the All-Defensive First Team six times.

In 14 NBA seasons, he scored 15,535 points (a 14.1 points-per-game average) and averaged 17.3 points in 180 playoff games.

 

[Digger44]

Re: OT: Ex Celtic DJ dies at 52

Best wishes to the family, he was young. Thanks for the steel and the pass to Bird................

 

[pats1]

http://www.boston.com/

BREAKING NEWS: Former Celtics player Dennis Johnson died today at age 52, Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed to The Boston Globe. The Austin American-Statesman is reporting on its website that Johnson fell ill at the Austin Convention Center in Texas this afternoon. --Developing

 

[Fixit]

Son of a *****. I love DJ.

 

[RayClay]

Re: OT: Ex Celtic DJ dies at 52

Greatest clutch to talent ratio of any BBall player or possibly any athlete.

He'd shoot 25% the first 40 minutes and 90% the last 8.

This is a shock. Rest in Peace.

 

[DarrylS]

DJ was one of my faves, hard nosed, big attitude, always brought his A game to the Court... this is a big shock, condolences to his family. Holy Crap this is a dark year for the Celtics.

 

[patsox23]

That blows. We'll miss his freckles.

 

[Digger44]

DJ was one of my faves, hard nosed, big attitude, always brought his A game to the Court... this is a big shock, condolences to his family. Holy Crap this is a dark year for the Celtics.

Don't worry, it should get better when Ainge is fired.

 

[Pats Fanatic]

Bird has always called DJ the best player he ever played with. What a shocker, RIP DJ this truly sucks.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

RIP, DJ.

Regards,
Chris

 

[40yrpatsfan]

He was one hell of a player. Long before he joined the Celtics, he was a Finals MVP with the Sonics. For us, he was a defensive force who could match up with any big guard, and as others have noted, a great clutch shooter.

Man, 52???

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Oh, no! How very sad. RIP.

 

[NoCal Patriot]

He'll always be remembered for his part in the Steal by Bird,underneath to DJ,He lays it up and in ! You can still hear Johnny Most yelling it now as the Celtics vanquish The Detroit Bad Boys ! Rest in Peace DJ !

 

[tedylb]

RIP, DJ.

Regards,
Chris

Amen-a classy guy & great player. He'll be missed.

 

[old 55]

I'm feeling very mortal right now.

I can't begin to think of how his family feels. Too young to go.

 

[Bella*chick]

I am stunned.

Was it a heart attack?

 

[patpatriot]

Yes of course it probably was a heart attach...right age...right profile....f'n stupid DJ! Why didn't you get checked out man??? 52 years old...FFFFKKK!!!!!

 

[pats1]

On WEEI today, Cedric Maxwell said the last time he saw DJ a year ago, he was at least 320 lbs., and that he "wouldn't be surprised" if that contributed to his death.

This picture is from January 20, 2007:

 

[rabthepat]

So sad...he was a great player...life is so short.

 

[Willie55]

Rip Dj.......