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Rockets scout BJ Johnson tragically passed away in a bicycle accident Thursday. He was 65.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania described it as a “crushing loss” for the NBA, Rockets and the basketball community.
“You won’t find a friendlier person in the NBA,” ESPN’s Tim McMahon said in a tweet.
Johnson began working for the Rockets in 1994-95, the second championship team in franchise history, up until this past season. He crossed paths with hundreds of players throughout his 25 years in the organization and it’s very clear that his death has affected and shaken the NBA community.
Here are some of the tweets written from the Rockets and NBA community reacting to his death:
Before I came to the @HoustonRockets Chris Wallace told me the greatest scout in the NBA was BJ Johnson & I should talk to him first. I followed his advice & what followed was an amazing 14 yr friendship. He was by my side for every key decision. I cant believe he is gone. RIP BJ
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) October 16, 2020
BJ Johnson of our Rockets family passed tonight. A scout a father, a friend, always a uplifting spirit. 1986 he joined Rockets as a scout and has been in that role till now. I honor my friendship with him from when he lived next door to Ralph Sampson in Va. Your loved RIP HOSS!
— JOHN LUCAS ENT (@JLEnterprises) October 16, 2020
Nooooooo not BJ Johnson. When I was an unproven rookie, he helped give me a lot of confidence that I had a bright future, even when I didn't see it.. I wasn't even on his team. He always had some words of encouragement, or just kept it real with me. Prayers to his family .
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) October 16, 2020
One of the most genuine people in NBA basketball passed tonight RIP BJ Johnson !!!!
— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) October 16, 2020
Wow. My heart hurts.
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) October 16, 2020
R.I.P BJ Johnson.
— DanuelKHouseJr (@DanuelHouseJr) October 16, 2020
Johnson is survived by his wife by his wife Claudette and three children, Bijan, LeDon and Sienna.
On behalf of The Dream Shake, our thoughts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of BJ Johnson.