Frank Johnson v Michael Jordan

By Shine Salt

With only two officials on the court, a strategy had to be done to keep Michael Jordan from scoring more points against the Phoenix Suns. The decision was made, to double-team Michael and hold him—it was up to Frank Johnson.

“When I say hold him, I really, really held him. I was grabbing jerseys,” said Johnson. “He would post up and I would reach around and just grab him so he wouldn’t move.”

Johnson laughed and smiled as he remembered his career during the early 80s till 1994 when he retired with the Suns. The infamous moment he jokingly describes as nightmares was when he had to guard Michael.

Receiving a technical on their home court in Chicago, Johnson spoke to Michael.

“I said, ‘Oh man I’m sorry. This is the only way I could guard you.’ He’s like, “I’m not mad. I’m not upset. I’m mad at (the officials.),’” Johnson said.

Johnson knew what Michael was capable of because of his athleticism.

“That’s what separated him from a lot of people because there are guys who can play that has athleticism but maybe just not here,” Johnson pointed to his head. “And that’s what made him even more special.”

Now over a decade since his professional career, an athlete can only go so far with their endurance of physicality. The retired athlete took on other interests like golf, coaching younger kids about basketball and taking shoes from children after playing a game of horse.

“I’ve got quite a few sneakers,” Johnson smiled. “I always try to challenge people to try and beat me and I’ll play for their shoes. If you beat me then I’ll buy you a new pair.”

Johnson said he didn’t think about what he wanted to do after basketball until he was finished playing in Italy for about three years. He came to the Suns after, but Johnson admitted he wasn’t as productive anymore.

The coach saw him more valuable during 4th quarter, where he had more energy to pick up full court and make some baskets. This is when ‘Fourth Quarter Frank’ was bestowed as a nickname.

“I had more success here,” He said. “Not individual success but team success.”

For two seasons, Fourth Quarter Frank found an ambition to coach the Suns. He coached from 2002 till 2003.

As a coach, Johnson said “It was more time spent at the arena, breaking down films and talking about teams in advance. Where as a player you only thought about then and now. You never looked ahead.”

There have been many transitions to the sport of NBA basketball. For Johnson, he said if there were more officials on the court, like it is today, he probably would have an advantage with his speed. Besides, this is what he was known for.

“Back then it was more physical and you literally could put your hands on them and guide them,” said Johnson.

Today, you have to be a bit cleverer. Johnson stood and motioned—If you’re reaching for the ball, the player can bump the opponent before jumping to throw them off balance. This will leave you to retrieve the ball.

“If you play hard every night you’ll always have a chance to win,” said Johnson. “Then if you play hard and you have very skilled players, you win championships.”

Johnson has new interests. Either it be playing for shoes or playing a round of golf, but he still remembers the event with Michael Jordan and the athleticism of basketball.