As the Kings embark on their 30th season in Sacramento, a few members of the original 1985 team returned to their old digs to celebrate. One such player was the sharpshooting guard Eddie Johnson, who was drafted by the Kansas City Kings in 1981.
During his 17 seasons in the league, Johnson played for six NBA teams and scored over 19,000 points. At the time of his retirement in 1999, that was the 22nd-highest total in NBA history. Johnson also earned NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors in 1989 as a member of the Phoenix Suns − an organization has now currently worked for in the broadcast booth as an analyst for the past 15 years.
Kings.com caught up with Eddie at the ESC XC recently as he dished on his playing career, the new arena and more.
What were some of your favorite memories when you played for the Kings?
“I just remember the atmosphere at those games − running out onto the court, you could just feel the energy and that’s just never been matched. For us to beat the Celtics or the Lakers back in those days was huge, and to beat them at home, in front of that crowd was just tremendous.”
Do you have a specific game that you were most proud of?
“It was Arco One then and I remember in my first year there we opened up against the Clippers. They beat us, but I just remember the energy in the building was unreal. It was something that I’ve never felt before as an athlete. Later in the year, we played Boston with Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale and we beat them and the place was just rocking. At that time,Boston obviously had rock stars and they were a team that contended every year. For us, any victory against a great team was a huge win.”
What are you thoughts on the new arena?
“I think the new arena will be tremendous. This city has grown with their basketball team and they’ve been consistent. Regardless of the record − and they’ve had some great years and some bad years − the fans have always been a constant. They come out, they support and they don’t give up − they love their team, and that’s the key. I’m just so happy and proud that they stayed and that things worked out. The arena was always the key − they already had the best fans in basketball. They just needed a place to showcase it. I look forward to coming here − obviously, as an employee of the Phoenix Suns − and playing in that new arena.”
How do you feel about the team's new ownership group?
“Well one, they committed to staying here, and two, they seem to have a huge hand in the community and that’s important. Basketball, believe it or not, is only 15 guys on a court, but there are so many people that surround those guys, so it’s the cities basketball team. I think the owners understand that and appreciate that. So far, they’ve shown the ability to let the fans have a say and to let them feel like they’re a part of this organization.”