Former Phoenix Suns point guard Kevin Johnson has been named a first-time Hall of Fame nominee, according to Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com. Johnson is a late addition to the candidate list.
Howard-Cooper places Johnson as a longshot for the 2012 class, but a look at his career illustrates just how impressive Johnson has been in the NBA. The current Sacramento mayor has also proven that he can make a difference outside of basketball.
Johnson spent 12 seasons in the NBA, spending every season with the Suns after an early stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged an impressive 20.4 points and 12.2 assists en route to the NBA Most Improved Player award during his second season in the league. Johnson started 620 games with the Suns during his 12-year tenure, averaging just a shade under a double-double for his career (17.9 points per game and 9.1 points per game) while playing alongside the likes of Charles Barkley and Dan Majerle.
The former Sun extended his reach into the realm of politics following his retirement. He has since gone on to serve as the mayor of Sacramento, defeating the incumbent Heather Fargo in a 2008 election to become Sacramento's first African-American mayor.
Johnson's No. 7 has been retired by the Suns. In the near future, he may be able to add Hall of Famer to his list of lifetime basketball recognition.