With Friday's induction of Dennis Johnson to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the guys over CelticsBlog took time to share some of their memories and thoughts on "DJ":
Bent: DJ slowly scraped himself up from the floor and wiped his forehead with his sweatband. It didn't help much, as he headed to the line, pouring with sweat and half-looking like he was about to keel over. On receiving the ball from the official, DJ spun it through his hands, then bent forward and started bouncing the ball low to the ground. As he reached the last few of his twelve bounces - for it always had to be twelve bounces, at least until next year, when he'd increase the number of bounces by one like he always did - he straightened up and you could almost hear the creaking of his back over the noise of the fans. He took a deep breath and calmly sunk the free throw. [...]
Jeff: I just remember that patented poke-away-move he did on defense. The guy with the ball would start to drive on DJ and after a step he would find himself without the ball because DJ poked it behind him. It was like DJ told the ball to stay still while the offensive player's momentum made him overrun the ball. At that point, DJ would calmly pick up the ball and start a fast break going the other way.
I also remember that he wasn't the greatest assist guy, but he always made the right pass. He wasn't the greatest shooter, but he always made the clutch shot. He was the perfect compliment guy. Or as Doc calls him, a Hall of Fame role player.
The entire collection is great, and well-worth your time. Additionally, CelticsBlog will be running a live chat during Friday nights induction ceremonies.