Sparks Sign Veteran Guard Temeka Johnson
March 23, 2015 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Sparks have signed veteran guard Temeka Johnson, executive vice president and general manager Penny Toler announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 10-year WNBA vet returns to Los Angeles for her 11th WNBA season and second stint with the Sparks. Prior to her return, she spent the 2013 and 2014 campaigns with Seattle where she averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 66 games (34 starts) with the Storm. Last season, she recorded the fifth triple-double in WNBA history with 13 points, 11 assists and a career-high 10 rebounds on July 25 vs. New York.
"We are excited to bring Temeka back to the Sparks," said Sparks head coach Brian Agler. "Temeka has the ability to play the point guard position? and lead a team on the floor and will add quality depth at the guard position. She has developed into an excellent three-point shooter and can impact the game with her defensive ability and excellent skill in pick and roll situations."
Johnson has played for five different teams in her 10-year career: Seattle Storm (2013-2014) Tulsa Shock (2012), Phoenix Mercury (2009-2011), Sparks (2006-08) and Washington Mystics (2005). In 293 career games (244 starts), she has averaged 8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. In 2009, she averaged 9.6 points, 4.6 assists and a career-high 3.5 rebounds per game in 34 starts to help lead Phoenix to the postseason en route to capturing its first WNBA Championship.
In Johnson's three years with the Sparks, she averaged 6.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 21.4 minutes per game in 66 contests (59 starts). She also helped Los Angeles reach the Western Conference Finals in two of her three seasons.
A Louisiana State product, Johnson was selected sixth overall by the Mystics in the 2008 WNBA Draft. She earned Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 9.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and a career-high 5.2 assists per game in her debut season.
The Los Angeles Sparks tip-off its 2015 WNBA home schedule on Sunday, June 14 vs. the Seattle Storm at 2:00pm at STAPLES Center. For Sparks season and group tickets, in all lower-bowl sections of STAPLES Center, call 844-GO-SPARKS or visit LASparks.com.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from March 23, 2015
- Sky Ink Pondexter to Multi-Year Contract Extension - Chicago Sky
- Sparks Sign Veteran Guard Temeka Johnson - Los Angeles Sparks
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