Wesley Johnson is a popular American basketball player who has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers, and currently the Los Angeles Clippers since his NBA debut. He was among the top four draft pickers in the 2010 NBA Draft and has been playing professionally ever since. Here you will find everything you need to know about the basketball star.
Who Is Wesley Johnson?
Wesley Johnson was born on July 11, 1987, in Corsica, Texas. The athlete had been interested in the game since he was a child and joined his school’s basketball team during his studies at the High School of Corsica. He became an important player in the school team and in his last year of school, from 2004 to 2005, he played for the first time in all the districts. He was also selected to represent the Dallas Mustangs of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
Before becoming an NBA player, he played college basketball for two years at Iowa State University of Science and Technology but later moved to Syracuse University where he continued to play.
When he joined Iowa State University (2006-2007), Wesley Johnson joined the Big 12’s all-rookie team as a rookie. He was popular with his teammates because he scored 13 rebounds and 14 points in the game against Missouri, including the epic point he scored with only 1.6 seconds remaining.
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From 2007 to 2008, Wesley had to sit out five games and later had no choice but to play the entire season with an injured ankle.
In 2009 he moved to Syracuse University where he played for Syracuse Orange. His decision was made after the 2008 season, but according to the transfer rules of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), he had to sit out in the 2008-2009 season, which gave him two years of college eligibility.
As expected, he distinguished himself on Team Orange and was named “Most Valuable Player”, a title he earned on points for his team against The North Carolina Tar Heels, Florida, and Seton Hall.
Wesley Johnson received more and more awards, and on March 9, 2010, he was named Big East Player of the Year for achieving an impressive seasonal average of 8.4 rebounds and 16.0 points. Twenty days later, he was inducted into the All-American team, which is made up of the best amateur players.
In April 2010, the star athlete decided to hire popular sports agent Rob Pelinka and qualify for the National Basketball Federation.
Wesley Johnson Parents and Family
Wesley’s parents are Mary and Robert Johnson. He also has two siblings, a brother named Ronald Craig Carroll and a sister – Rhonda Smith. Wesley is very close to his siblings and shares a deep bond with them.
Wesley Johnson is also a father; his girlfriend Melissa gave birth to twin boys Wesley Jr. and Santana in 2012. The superstar athlete sees his entire family as a support system that helps him advance in his career.
NBA Career
His professional basketball career began when he was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the 4th overall candidate for the 2010 NBA. Wes averaged 15 points per game when he played for the Timberwolves.
He was later transferred to the Phoenix Suns on July 27, 2012, as part of a three-team deal. He secured the Suns’ victories over the Detroit Pistons, his former Minnesota Timberwolves team in February 2013, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Atlantic Hawks.
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In 2013 Wes left the Suns and signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, which was later extended for another year. When he played for the Lakers, he was so impressive on the court that he became one of the eight players who averaged 1 steal and 1 block in each game in his first season.
He played against the Detroit Pistons on November 29, 2013, and helped his team to victory with 27 points, 3 blocks, and 6 rebounds. Wesley Johnson left the Lakers and got another contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He played for the team’s season opener on October 28th and secured a win against the Sacramento Kings with 3 points and 1 steal.
His contract with the Clippers was extended for three years on July 8, 2016, and is said to be worth $18 million.
Height, Weight, And Body Measurements
The weight of the famous basketball player is given as 215 Ib (98 kg) and his height as 2.01 m (6ft 7in). His wingspan is given as 7-1, while his body fat is 4.6%. Wesley Johnson is undeniably in great shape, which is to be expected since he is a professional athlete.
