Tyler Johnson’s basketball journey has taken him from being an undrafted longshot to securing a $50 million NBA contract, and now, it brings him back home. The former NBA guard has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Fresno State men’s basketball team, marking a full-circle moment with the college program that helped launch his career.
While Johnson hasn’t made a formal retirement announcement, the move signals a transition from player to mentor. After years on the court, he's now stepping into a new role, this time, from the sidelines.
Image via Getty Images
Tyler Johnson's NBA journey, from undrafted to a $50 million contract
Tyler Johnson entered the NBA in 2014 as an undrafted free agent but quickly found a home with the Miami Heat. He became known for his intensity, scoring ability, and team-first mentality, earning himself a four-year, $50 million contract in 2016.
During his peak season with Miami, Johnson averaged 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, shooting over 37% from three-point range. His career later included stops with the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs. He last played in the NBA during the 2021–22 season before continuing overseas.
Johnson’s appointment as an assistant coach at Fresno State marks a full-circle moment. The former Bulldog, who played there from 2010 to 2014, now brings NBA-level experience back to his alma mater.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to return to the Valley,” Johnson said in a team press release. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the transformation of this program.”
This move not only represents a new chapter for Johnson but also serves as inspiration for current Fresno State players, proof that big-league dreams can start in small college gyms.
With this new role, Johnson joins a growing list of former NBA players who are turning to college coaching to give back to the game. His experience across five different NBA teams, along with overseas stints, gives him a unique perspective on player development, adaptability, and the mental grind of professional basketball, all of which could prove invaluable for the Fresno State roster.
With coaching on the horizon and his playing days behind him, Tyler Johnson’s next play could shape the next generation of talent coming out of Fresno.
Also Read:
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson shares towering praise for Tyrese Haliburton as he led Indiana Pacers to game 1 victoryThe TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
Read MoreThe TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide.
From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more.
The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics.
We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects.
We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment