BOSTON -- Dennis Johnson, a 14-year NBA veteran described by Larry Bird as 'the best player I ever played with,' was released Monday by the Boston Celtics.
The 36-year-old guard played seven years with Boston after four years with Seattle and three with Phoenix.
This season, the Celtics are expected to have a starting backcourt of point guard Brian Shaw, returning to Boston after a year in Italy and a summer of legal disputes, and shooting guard Reggie Lewis, who signed a five-year pact for more than $3 million a year.
Boston's first draft pick, Dee Brown, is also a guard and like Johnson is valued for his defensive ability.
'My years in Boston have been great,' Johnson said in a prepared statement, after Boston decided not to renew his contract. He described the Celtics' management as 'up-front, honest and professional' in recent discussions about his future with the team.
Johnson said he hopes to play for another NBA team.
Coach Chris Ford said, 'This was such a difficult decision to make, considering the stature of Dennis Johnson ... I consider him to be the consummate professional and a fine example for present and future Boston Celtics.'
Johnson was acquired from the Suns on June 27, 1983, in a trade that was a coup for the Celtics, as they only gave up immobile big man Rick Robey. While Johnson helped lead Boston to four consecutive NBA finals and titles in 1984 and 1986, Robey played three seasons with Phoenix, averaging less than five points a game, before he was released.
'When Dennis Johnson was brought here to Boston, he filled a huge void in our team,' said Celtics president Red Auerbach. 'His great defensive play and his leadership were major reasons why we were so successful in the 1980s ... No matter where else he has played or will play, Dennis Johnson will always be a Boston Celtic.'
