Milwaukee Bucks: All-Time Greatest Small Forwards
By Adam McGee
Marques Johnson
After only picking up 30 wins and missing the Playoffs in 1976-77, the Bucks were lucky enough to get a rebuilding shortcut in the form of a young Marques Johnson.
Johnson arrived in Milwaukee as a 21-year-old, third overall pick, in the post-Kareem era, but he wasn’t daunted in any way by his new team’s recent history.
The Louisiana native came straight in to average 19.5 points and 10.6 rebounds as a rookie, and act as a pivotal force in Milwaukee’s resurgence.
Johnson went on to play seven full seasons for the Bucks, making four All-Star appearances in the process. In fact, in his second season as a pro he was selected to the All-NBA First Team.
Even after leaving Milwaukee, Johnson continued to be a success, as a player who very much resembled the vision that we’ve all since become familiar with as the modern day mold for elite small forwards.
Fondly remembered as a Buck, for his time in Milwaukee, Johnson averaged 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
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