Magic Johnson's Dominance: Bill Walton Names Dennis Johnson as Best Guard Before Magic

Bill Walton, a former Celtics big man, has named Dennis Johnson as the best guard in basketball before Magic Johnson's dominance in the league. This statement comes from a conversation with MassLive, where Walton discussed the 1986 Boston Celtics team, which many consider the best squad in the franchise's history.

What happened?

According to Walton, the '86 Celtics team was stacked with future Hall of Famers, including Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. However, he credited Dennis Johnson as the key player who made the team's success possible. Johnson averaged 17 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2 steals per game in the '86 Finals, behind only Bird and McHale.

Why it matters for Magic Johnson

Walton's statement highlights the impressive skills of Dennis Johnson, who was considered the best guard in basketball before Magic Johnson's arrival. Johnson's contributions to the Celtics' championship run in 1986 are a testament to his talent and versatility on the court.

What comes next?

In the conversation with MassLive, Walton also spoke highly of other Celtics players, including Danny Ainge, Rick Carlisle, and Jerry Sichting. He emphasized the importance of Larry Bird's leadership in the team's success, stating that Bird was the player who could make a difference.

As for Magic Johnson, his dominance in the league is well-documented. However, Walton's statement adds a new layer of depth to the discussion of Magic's impact on the game. By recognizing Dennis Johnson's skills and contributions, Walton highlights the impressive talent that existed in the league before Magic's arrival.

In a statement that echoes Walton's sentiments, Larry Bird himself considered Dennis Johnson the best player he has ever played with. Bird praised Johnson's ability to get shots, play good defense, and contribute to the team's overall success.

The numbers also back up Walton's claim. Johnson's stats in the '86 Finals are impressive, and his contributions to the Celtics' championship run are a testament to his skills as a guard.

In conclusion, Bill Walton's statement highlights the impressive skills of Dennis Johnson, who was considered the best guard in basketball before Magic Johnson's arrival. Johnson's contributions to the Celtics' championship run in 1986 are a testament to his talent and versatility on the court.

**Category:** player_focus