Amanda Knapp
AJ Johnson, born Akeem Jamaal Johnson, is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Johnson was born on December 1, 2004, in Fresno, California, and grew up around Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green. Johnson experienced a growth spurt during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, growing from 5 ft 10 in to 6 ft 5 in. He played for the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks, who drafted him in 2024. Johnson later joined the Wizards in a trade.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Akeem Jamaal Johnson |
| Date of Birth | 1 December 2004 |
| Age | 20 years |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (195.58 cm) |
| Weight | 165-167 lbs |
| Wingspan | 6 ft 8.5 in (204.47 cm) |
| Standing Reach | 8 ft 6 in (259.08 cm) |
| Max Vertical Reach | 38 in |
| Position | Shooting Guard, Combo Guard |
| Teams | Illawarra Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards |
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What You'll Learn
AJ Johnson's birthday is 1 December 2004, making him 20 years old
AJ Johnson, the American professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA), was born on 1 December 2004, making him 20 years old. Johnson, who stands at six feet and five inches tall, grew up in Fresno, California, and played for the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) before joining the NBA.
Johnson signed a contract with the Illawarra Hawks in 2023, joining the NBL's Next Stars program. He played 26 games with the Hawks, averaging 2.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game in 7.7 minutes. Johnson was then drafted with the 23rd overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2024 NBA draft. This move was considered a "surprising pick" by an older Bucks team, as Johnson was expected to be selected in the second round.
During his time with the Bucks, Johnson made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a 124–109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He was later traded to the Wizards, along with Khris Middleton and a 2028 pick swap, in exchange for Kyle Kuzma.
Known for his elite speed and quickness, Johnson has the potential to become a lock-down defender with improved strength and focus. He possesses a "tantalizing" skill set and has shown flashes of considerable potential. However, he has also faced criticisms for his lack of strength and inconsistent shooting efficiency.
Despite the criticisms, Johnson has demonstrated his ability to handle the ball smoothly and score effectively. With his natural thin build, long-term potential, and friendship with Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, AJ Johnson is an intriguing prospect in the NBA, and at just 20 years old, his career is off to a promising start.
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He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024
A.J. Johnson, born Akeem Jamaal Johnson, is an American professional basketball player. Johnson was born in Fresno, California, on December 1, 2004, and grew up in the same area as Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green. Johnson considers Green a big brother. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Johnson experienced a growth spurt, going from 5 ft 10 in to 6 ft 5 in.
Johnson started his high school career at a school in Fresno, California, before transferring to Taft High School, where he became one of the top combo guards. For his senior year, Johnson attended Donda Academy, Kanye West's school in Simi Valley, California. Coming out of high school, Johnson was a four-star recruit and initially committed to play college basketball for the University of Texas. However, he later de-committed and chose to play for the Next Stars program in the NBL instead.
On April 13, 2023, Johnson signed a contract with the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia, joining the NBL's Next Stars program. During his time with the Hawks, Johnson played in 26 games, averaging 2.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 7.7 minutes per game. Another American-born prospect, LaMelo Ball, also joined the Hawks.
On June 26, 2024, Johnson was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. This move was considered a "surprising pick" by an older Bucks team, as Johnson was expected to be selected in the second round. Johnson signed with the Bucks on July 5, 2024, and made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a 124–109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
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He played for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia
In the 2019–20 season, Johnson moved to Australia and joined the Illawarra Hawks of the NBL. He made his debut for the Hawks on October 6, 2019, recording 14 points and 7 rebounds in a 94–88 loss to the Cairns Taipans. Johnson became a fan favourite in Illawarra and was a standout player for the Hawks during the 2019-20 NBL season. He averaged 15.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, shooting 56% from the field and 36% from the 3-point line. Johnson's strong performances earned him NBL Rookie of the Year honours, becoming the first player from a non-playoff team to win the award. He also garnered attention from NBA scouts and generated interest as a potential draft prospect.
During his time with the Illawarra Hawks, Johnson formed a strong partnership with local junior and rising star LaMelo Ball. The duo became known as "Laj" and developed a compelling on-court connection, with their chemistry and passing skills complementing each other's games. Their dynamic play helped elevate the profile of the Hawks and attracted attention to the NBL from global basketball audiences, particularly with Ball's reputation as a potential top NBA draft pick. Johnson's ability to work alongside Ball and showcase his own skills despite sharing the court with a ball-dominant player enhanced his reputation as a versatile and adaptable player.
Johnson's stint in the NBL provided him with valuable experience and a platform to develop his game further. He benefited from the opportunity to play against seasoned professionals and former NBA players in the NBL, which helped refine his skills and decision-making abilities. The physicality and competitiveness of the league also contributed to his development, forcing him to adapt and improve his game to match the league's standard. Johnson's time in Australia allowed him to mature as a player and gain exposure to different playing styles and cultural experiences, enhancing his overall basketball education.
Playing for the Illawarra Hawks also provided Johnson with a change of scenery and a fresh start after a challenging final season in college. It offered him the chance to be a key contributor on a team and to showcase his abilities in a professional league. Johnson's performances in the NBL helped rebuild his confidence and demonstrate his potential to scouts and observers, reaffirming his capabilities as a player with a professional future. His time in Australia served as a stepping stone in his career, providing him with the opportunity to refine his skills and work towards his ultimate goal of playing in the NBA.
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Johnson is a shooting guard
AJ Johnson, born Akeem Jamaal Johnson, is a 20-year-old American professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards of the NBA. Johnson is a shooting guard. Standing at six feet five inches tall, Johnson is a long, wiry, and quick combo guard with untapped potential. He has elite-level speed and the great ability to get by defenders off the dribble.
Johnson is an explosive leaper, as demonstrated by his 38-inch max vertical at the NBA Draft Combine. He possesses a "tantalizing" skill set, with physical attributes that make him a standout player. His huge wingspan helps him get shots and be disruptive on defence. Johnson is a good ball handler, with a smooth ISO game and the quick first step needed to score off pull-ups and runners.
Johnson's strengths include his speed, quickness, and ball-handling skills. He is also a solid vertical player who can finish above the rim. However, he has yet to prove himself as a volume scorer, and his shooting efficiency has been below average. Johnson's physical strength remains a challenge, and he will need to improve his toughness and focus to succeed at the NBA level.
Before joining the Wizards, Johnson played for the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). He was the first-round pick of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024 and played 26 games for the Bucks before being traded to the Wizards. Johnson grew up in Fresno, California, and attended Donda Academy, Kanye West's school in Simi Valley, California, for his senior year. He is good friends with Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green.
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He is 6 feet 5 inches tall
AJ Johnson is a towering figure on the basketball court, standing at an impressive 6 feet and 5 inches tall. His height is a significant advantage in the game, as it gives him a literal edge over most of his competitors. With each inch adding to his reach and ability to cover more ground, his height is an asset that contributes to his success as a player.
At 6 feet 5 inches, AJ possesses a height that is considered ideal for the sport, especially for the positions he plays. His stature allows him to see over most players, providing a strategic advantage in decision-making and court awareness. The extra height also gives him a longer wingspan, enabling him to cover more area defensively and increasing his shot-blocking abilities.
Offensively, AJ's height is a clear advantage. He can shoot over defenders with ease, providing him with a variety of scoring options. His height also makes him an excellent target for passes, as he can easily catch and finish around the rim. Furthermore, his stature allows him to grab rebounds effectively, providing his team with second-chance scoring opportunities and preventing opponents from doing the same.
While AJ's height is a significant advantage, it is also the result of dedicated training and hard work. It is not uncommon for basketball players to focus on increasing their vertical leap to maximize their height's potential benefits. This includes leg strength training and exercises to improve overall lower body power. As such, AJ's height is not just a natural gift but also a testament to his commitment to the sport and his desire to maximize his potential.
AJ Johnson's height of 6 feet 5 inches places him in an elite group of athletes who possess the ideal blend of height and skill for the game of basketball. It is a key factor in his success, providing him with advantages that complement his talent and hard work. Through dedicated training and a commitment to improvement, he has likely turned his height into an even greater asset, allowing him to excel and stand out in a highly competitive sport.
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Frequently asked questions
AJ Johnson is 20 years old. He was born on December 1, 2004.
Johnson currently plays for the Washington Wizards. He previously played for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia.
Johnson is 6 feet 5 inches tall. He also has a near 6-foot 9-inch wingspan and an 8-foot 6-inch standing reach.
Johnson is a long, wiry, and quick combo guard with untapped potential. He has elite-level speed and is a solid vertical leaper, able to finish above the rim. He is also a shifty ball-handler and has good defensive upside.
