James Johnson, Steven Adams, Boban Voted NBA Stars Players Would Least Want to Fight | News, Scores,

July 2024 ยท 2 minute read
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 27: James Johnson #16 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 27, 2024 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

Indiana Pacers forward James Johnson hasn't been on the court much this season, but his fellow NBA players apparently don't want to see him off of it.

The Athletic asked 125 NBA players the contemporary they would least like to fight, and Johnson was the overwhelming winner, receiving 53.6 percent of the vote. Steven Adams came in second place at 16.8 percent, while Isaiah Stewart came in third at 6.4 percent.

"Is he still in the league? He's a triple black belt. I'm not f--king with James," one player said. "There's other guys (where) I might actually lose the fight, but I'm not f--kng with James. He might kick me in my head."

Johnson is an accomplished martial artist, earning a black belt in karate. He's also claimed a 20-0 record as a kickboxer, though no previous fights have been corroborated.

The 37-year-old has bounced around to 10 NBA teams since being picked in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft. One former teammate said Johnson's intimidating reputation doesn't match his actual personality.

"J.J. is actually the coolest dude ever," the player said. "He's super cool. I just know his reputation. I know if you mess with him, it can get like that. But he's one of my favorite teammates that I've had."

Adams' dabbling in MMA, along with his massive size, also had his fellow players backing down.

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