Topic: Amir Johnson

Amir Jalla Johnson (born May 1, 1987 in Los Angeles, California) is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors 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" (2.06 m) 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 Johnson will become a special player someday.

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.