Roko asks: Which Johnson was better?
Paul Jones relates the following interchange with Our Roko:
Ukic, who was all of about four years old when the Pistons were in the midst of their glory years in late 80’s says while looking up at the banners “Detroit had the Microwave, Vinnie Johnson, right? Do you think he was as good as the other guy in Boston, Dennis Johnson?”
Jones didn’t give an answer. Well, Roko, Pete Marasmitch is up to the challenge. Here is your best-of-seven matchup,
Vinnie Johnson vs. Dennis Johnson
1. Best picture
(from The Legend of Cecilio Guante)
vs.
Verdict: I like the creativity of LCG’s poster, but it’s hard to beat Larry Bird’s short shorts and li’l can of celebratory beer. Dennis
2. Nicknames
“Microwave” vs. “D.J.”
Verdict: Vinnie
3. Most viewed video
Vinnie’s:
vs.
Dennis’:
Verdict: Vinnie
4. Rings
Vinnie’s: Detroit Pistons in 1988-89 and 1989-90 (2)
vs.
Dennis’: Seattle Supersonics in 1978-79; Boston Celtics in 1983-84 and 1985-86 (3)
Verdict: Dennis
5. Last championship teammates
Vinnie’s:
Joe Dumars
Bill Laimbeer
Dennis Rodman
Isiah Thomas
vs.
Dennis’:
Danny Ainge
Larry Bird
Rick Carlisle
Kevin McHale
Robert Parish
Bill Walton
Verdict: Tough one. Vinnie’s mates have more star power; Dennis had more stars. Tie
6. Peak PERs
Vinnie’s (17.6 in 1982-83, Detroit Pistons)
vs.
Dennis’ (17.0 in 1980-81, Phoenix Suns)
Verdict: Vinnie
7. Career PERs
Vinnie’s (15.2 over 13 years)
vs.
Dennis’ (14.6 over 14 years)
Verdict: Vinnie
And the win goes to: Vinnie Johnson!
You’re welcome, Roko.
(Interesting note: The Johnsons were teammates in Seattle in Vinnie’s rookie year.)
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
You are the research king.
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Nay, nay. You are the research queen, therefore I am but the research … jack.
January 24th, 2009 at 4:20 am
earvin “magic” johnson was the best johnson. how come he’s not on the list?
January 24th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Ya you’re the research king alright. One of your criteria is “most viewed video”…please. Stick to stats and maybe I would’ve believed you. But once you include assinine categories like “most viewed video” you just show how worthless you and your opinion are.
And you couldn’t be more wrong about the last championship teammates being a tie. Vinnie played with 2 hall of famers, and 2 punks. While DJ played with 4 hall of famers and he arguably deserves to be in there himself.
Stop writing crappy blogs.
I’ll take DJ and his 3 rings and Finals MVP over the Microwave any day.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:06 am
So wait, you consider “nickname” and “most viewed video” as criteria as to who was better?
I really hope this blog is tongue and cheek because it is just plain wrong. Are you writing this to get more hits on your blog? That is the only motive I can think for writing this garbage.
Seattle doesn’t win their title without DJ, and the Celtics would have been hard pressed to win those without him as well.
Detroit wins without Vinnie, no questions asked.
Vinnie was never a Finals MVP, All-Star, or All-Defensive Team member.
DJ was, multiple times.
Vinnie didn’t even start, which is fine, considering who was over him, but he didn’t even get a 6th man award.
DJ should, and will be in the hall of fame, Vinnie will have to pay every time he visits.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Awesome topic — love it!!
January 26th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Jose — This post was in response to Roko Ukic’s question about just the two Johnsons he mentioned. Earvin would’ve been the better one of the three, for sure.
Celts81 and Josh — Wow, you guys are passionate about your DJ! For sure, this post was tongue-in-cheek, as are most (if not all) posts in this blog. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Jeff, your response to Josh and Celts (what a couple of punkeresque trolls they are) has been really elegantesque. Just as you are.
It’s been a great post. I’ve enjoyed the videos and your criteria.