Vinnie Johnson - The Microwave

Vincent "Vinnie" Johnson (born September 1, 1956 in Brooklyn, New York) is a retired American professional basketball player and a key player on the Detroit Pistons who won the NBA championship in both 1989 and 1990.

Vinnie attended Baylor University for two seasions 1977-78 and 1978-79. The most prolific scorer in Baylor basketball history, Vinnie Johnson averaged 24.1 points per game in his two seasons in Waco, TX. A two-time All-American, Johnson ranks eighth in career points, sixth in career assists and second in career assists average at Baylor. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native was named All-SWC in both 1978 and 1979. Johnson also holds the Baylor record for most points scored in a game with 50 against TCU in 1979. He was the No. 7 overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft.

At 6'2", Johnson's skill set allowed him to replace either Isiah Thomas or Joe Dumars from the bench. Johnson earned the nickname "the Microwave" from Boston Celtics guard Danny Ainge for his ability to score many points in a short period of time (i.e., Johnson could heat up the offense of the team in short order) and his "instant defense". On June 19, 1990, Vinnie landed a 14-footer in the last second, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 92-90 in Game 5 of the finals, and giving Detroit the championship.

The Pistons honored Johnson's remarkable career contribution by retiring his number 15 jersey in a ceremony on February 5, 1994 at The Palace. He was influenced by Earl Monroe growing up and only wore number 15 throughout his playing days. When asked about it by a fan later he said, "It was a huge honor. The fact that they retired my jersey tells me that I did some great things for the organization."

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• athletics

[joffeter]

Laimbeer said if Microwave belongs to other team,it's easy for him to be an all star game player.

[VeoShock]

Well said bro. I agree with u 100%.

[VeoShock]

Yea, that is y he got the name Microwave, cuz he would come into the game Hot and Heated up like he already been playing. LOL. Danny Ainge gave him that nickname. It fits him to. Yea, Vinny was a good player no doubt. Love watching him play.

[joffeter]

one of the best players never selected to all star game in nba history.

[hautelick]

Ridiculously underrated player. When Vinnie got hot he could win games by himself. I'm a Celtics fan but always admired the microwave. Good job on putting up this video.

[fletch2240]

my favorite player... and i know i am biased...  but as a detroit fan, vinnie could shake anyone. diddnt matter if you were 7 foot tall.. hell shake you and shoot.

[oldschoolruler]

I love Vinnie and his game, but it seems like none of you remember 'Jazzy' Cazzie Russell. He was the Microwave before Vinnie when he was with the Knicks in the early '70's. Came of the bench red hot.

[joshbrownie911]

did you record this with a microwave?

[bp3akabruno]

240 .. we meet again.

[ishetrying]

Damn that song sucks.

[ImmortalDragon]

Get ready.. tonight! good track.

[96infinitii30]

video from when basketball what about the team. miss the good days

[MadhouseOfMusic]

I am a Die Hard Bulls fan but I loved Vinnies game. To me Vinnie was the first Ben Gordon (when Ben was in Chicago and avg. 20+ppg). Vinnie was a little taller than Ben and a better defender. The Microwave could light it up, he could come in straight off the bench and provide instant offense. Thanks for the memories although I truly hated the Bad Boy Pistons. Can't stand Laimbeer to this day. (lol)

[winniejohnsonforever]

007 Forever !!!

[mmcneil777]

Instant offence! Vinnie!!!!