Amir Jalla Johnson (born May 1 1987 in Los Angeles, California) is an American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. He plays the position of power forward.
Johnson was selected by the Pistons with the 56th pick of the 2005 NBA Draft. He is listed at 6'9" (2.06m) and 210 lb (95 kg) but has reportedly grown to 6'11" (2.11m) since being drafted. Known for his athleticism, he was drafted straight out of Westchester High School in Los Angeles, deciding to skip a collegiate career. He had committed to play at the University of Louisville. He is the last high school player to be selected in the NBA Draft, as the NBA instituted a rule prior to the 2006 Draft that requires American players to be at least one year removed from the graduation of their high school class to be eligible. Then Pistons head coach Larry Brown commented that he thought Amir will become a special player someday. [www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8485141/]
Johnson spent the 2005-06 NBA season on the Pistons' roster, but appeared in only three games. He scored his first NBA basket on a windmill dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24 2006. On February 27, 2006, the Pistons assigned him to the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBA Development League. Johnson was recalled by the Pistons and on April 17, 2006 scored 18 points against the Milwaukee Bucks, making all six of his field goal attempts, both 3-point attempts, and all four of his free throw attempts.
Johnson spent most of the 2006-07 season playing for the D-League's Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he earned Player of the Week honors and notice for his play. In 22 games for the Skyforce, Johnson averaged 18.9 points per game, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, while shooting 62.3% from the field.
Johnson was recalled by the Pistons on two occasions during the 2006-07 season, including prior to the final week of the regular season. Altogether, he appeared in eight games for the Pistons, averaging 5.9 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, while shooting 54.5%. On April 19 2007, Amir Johnson scored a career-high 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds (6 of them offensive), and recorded four blocks and three steals in 37 minutes against the Boston Celtics.
On July 12, 2007, Johnson signed a 3-year, $11 million extension to remain with the Pistons. Today, Johnson is one of the most hard-working "young" players in the league as of now.
