Eddie Johnson had a long career in the NBA, spanning from 1981 to 1999. At the end of his career, he had amassed 19,202 points, the 22nd highest total at that point in time, better than all but 30 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees. Yet, during his career, he was never an All-Star, never an All-NBA athlete nor did he win any major awards save for one—the 1989 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
In his many years as a pro, he had the opportunity to play against many of the league’s greatest, and, being that he 6’7″ small forward, he competed against many of them head-on, man-to-man.
Such experience lends itself to some great stories, and, in light of the recent talk regarding Lance Stephenson engaging in trash talk with LeBron James, he took to Twitter to share some of his in-game experiences involving trash talk with some of the NBA’s greatest stars.
I was a trash talker deluxe when i played, but there is an art to it. One taboo is you never talk before or after a gm. just during @Pacers
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
talking smack to a guy that is the best in the game and has two titles is fools gold. I like Lance’s bravado, but not smart @MiamiHEAT
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
I honestly expect LBJ to come out like a man possessed. They know a 3-1 lead will get them back to finals. Hibbert and West must excel @NBA
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
I am still wondering what Lance said to LBJ that could get under his skin? ” hey I made you fade away on that jumper” lol stop it! @NBA
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
I once talked smack to Larry Bird and he proceeded to give me 35 and he described to me every move he would make beforehand! @NBA
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
The worst thing i ever did was call ex great Lonnie Shelton fat and after he pounded me unmercifully for two quarters. i said sorry, @NBA
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014