Former local star trying to catch on with Wizards
The comparison was unavoidable.
As a 6-foot-9 point guard with a pass-first mentality at Newport Prep in Kensington, DerMarr Johnson fit a familiar tintype. A national publication called him “Magic Johnson with a jump shot.” Even the surname matched.
But that was 10 years ago, when DerMarr Johnson was the nation’s top-ranked high school junior. A lot has happened since.
Now a fringe player in the NBA, Johnson, 28, is trying to catch on with his hometown Wizards.
“I just hope I can extend my career here,” said Johnson.
Johnson is competing for a roster spot with Winthrop rookie Taj McCullough, and NBA veteran Linton Johnson. With the ability to play three perimeter positions, DerMarr Johnson has the most versatility.
This is the sixth NBA stop for Johnson. His traveling ways began early, playing for four high schools in four years and spending a season Cincinnati before he was drafted No. 6 overall by the Atlanta Hawks. His career was in jeopardy when he crashed his Mercedez-Benz and suffered a broken neck in 2002. But 17 months later, Johnson was back in the NBA.
“I don’t think I ever reached my potential. I don’t think the opportunity is closed for that,” said Johnson. “Different coaches want you to do different things. I was kind of put in a box.”
Johnson profile
» Johnson was Parade National High School Player of the Year in 1999 at Maine Central Institute.
» Johnson spent time in Europe, the NBADL, and NBA last year, playing five games for San Antonio.
» Johnson’s longest NBA stint was three years with Denver.
