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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The untimely death of former NBA point guard and |
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three-time champion Dennis Wayne Johnson on February 22, 2007, at |
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the age of 52, has drawn to a close the life of a man who personified |
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the word "winner" in his many accomplishments as a player and coach; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Perhaps best remembered for his pivotal role as an |
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effective and efficient playmaker and top-notch defender with the |
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Boston Celtics, "DJ" had successfully transitioned into scouting |
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and coaching following a 14-year NBA career with Seattle, Phoenix, |
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and Boston; at the time of his passing, he was coaching the Austin |
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Toros, Boston's NBA Developmental League affiliate, and he had |
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previously worked as an assistant coach for the Celtics and the Los |
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Angeles Clippers; and |
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WHEREAS, A five-time NBA All-Star and nine-time selection to |
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the NBA's All-Defensive team, Mr. Johnson retired in 1990 as only |
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the 11th player in NBA history to record more than 15,000 points and |
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5,000 assists; and |
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WHEREAS, During his 14 seasons as a player, Mr. Johnson took |
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his teams to the playoffs 13 times; he guided the Seattle |
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Supersonics to the NBA Championship in 1979, earning Finals MVP |
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honors, and he won titles with Boston in 1984 and 1986; in 1991, he |
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joined an elite group of players when the Boston Celtics |
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organization retired his No. 3 jersey, a tribute reserved for a |
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special class and caliber of player; and |
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WHEREAS, Dennis Johnson's impact on professional basketball |
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was indeed profound, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be |
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treasured by the many people he touched and inspired through his |
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leadership, vision, and drive; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
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Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dennis Wayne Johnson |
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and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his |
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wife, Donna; to his children, Dwayne, Denise, and Daniel; and to his |
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relatives, friends, and many fans; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of |
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Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dennis |
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Wayne Johnson. |