Mickey Johnson
A versatile scorer who evolved from a fourth-round pick to a playoff standout for the Bulls.
Wallace Edgar "Mickey" Johnson is an American former professional basketball player born on August 31, 1952. After graduating from Chicago's Lindblom High School and playing at Aurora College, the 6'10" forward/center was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth round of the 1974 NBA draft. The Blazers immediately traded him to the Chicago Bulls. As a rookie with the Bulls, he averaged just 3.8 points per game before quickly improving and moving into the starting lineup during his second season.
- Role
- Forward/Center
- Tenure with Bulls
- 1974–1978
- Rookie Points Per Game
- 3.8
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Johnson's rise in Chicago was rapid. By the 1976–77 season, he averaged 17.3 points and 10.2 rebounds as a versatile scorer and aggressive rebounder. On April 17, 1977, in a deciding first-round loss to his original draft team, Portland, Johnson scored a playoff career-high of 34 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. The following season, he averaged 18.3 points and 9.1 rebounds. A standout performance occurred on February 26, 1978, when he scored 30 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in a narrow 100–99 loss to Portland again. Teammates nicknamed him "Rubberman" for his ability to stretch, grab rebounds, and block shots despite his slender frame.
In Their Own Story
The turning point of Johnson's Chicago tenure was his explosive growth from a bench role to a primary option. After averaging only 3.8 points as a rookie in 1974–75, he became the Bulls' starting forward/center by mid-season two. His versatility allowed him to dominate specific matchups, most notably against Portland. In the 1976 playoffs, he dropped 34 points and 14 rebounds in a game that defined his early career high-water mark. Just a year later, on February 26, 1978, he delivered another massive double-double with 30 points and 21 rebounds against the same opponent. Although the Bulls eventually traded him to Indiana in 1979 for free agency reasons, those seasons established him as a key figure who could carry an offensive load and deliver in high-stakes elimination games.
Reader's Guide
Mickey Johnson's time with the Chicago Bulls (1974–1978) showcases a player who maximized his potential through sheer adaptability. Selected fourth round by Portland, he was immediately sent to Chicago, where he started slowly before becoming a starter in his second year. His 1976–77 campaign saw him average 17.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, establishing him as a double-double threat. The source highlights two specific high-scoring playoff performances against Portland: 34 points on April 17, 1977, and 30 points with 21 rebounds on February 26, 1978. His tenure ended in 1979 when he signed as a free agent with the Indiana Pacers, leaving behind a legacy of consistent scoring and rebounding during the franchise's rebuilding years.
Did You Know?
- Johnson was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers but immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls.
- He earned the nickname "Rubberman" from teammates due to his ability to stretch and grab rebounds despite a slender frame.
- In a 1976 playoff game against Portland, he scored a career-high 34 points in a deciding loss.
- On February 26, 1978, he recorded 21 rebounds and 30 points in a single game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mickey Johnson?
Mickey Johnson was a forward for the Chicago Bulls from 1975 to 1980 who served as a crucial bridge between the team's early struggles and its future success. Acquired in a major trade from Milwaukee, he became an immediate offensive cornerstone during a difficult era for the franchise.
What role did Mickey Johnson play on the court?
Playing primarily at small forward and power forward, Johnson was the team's primary scoring engine and emotional heartbeat when hope was scarce. His consistent ability to generate points kept Chicago competitive against stronger opponents throughout his five seasons.
How long did Mickey Johnson wear jersey number 20 for Chicago?
Johnson wore number 20 throughout his entire five-year tenure with the Bulls from 1975 to 1980. His presence in that uniform became synonymous with the team's resilience during its lean years before the dynasty era.
Why is Mickey Johnson considered important to Bulls history?
He is revered as a pivotal architect who maintained the franchise's identity and competitiveness while others faltered, effectively setting the stage for future success. His leadership and scoring firepower provided a necessary foundation that helped evolve the team into its eventual 1990s powerhouse.
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