IN MELO PLACE
elevation is no illusion
Johnson said the Knicks’ defense has been impressive, particularly the way that center Tyson Chandler has embraced his role. He also appreciates the tenacity of rookie guard Iman Shumpert. And he likes the way that the players have bought into Woodson’s philosophy.
“Coach Woodson has done a wonderful job of helping them to understand that the way to win in the playoffs and big games to get into the playoffs is on the defensive end,” he said. “When I hear the players say now we’re talking on defense and now we're preaching defense to each other it’s been amazing. And you see it, too. People don’t score that easy on the Knicks like they used to.”
Johnson knows basketball, but he made news in another sports arena when a group that he is a part of bought the Dodgers for $2 billion last week. The purchase makes Johnson the first African-american to have an ownership stake in a Major League Baseball team.
“It was important because of what Jackie Robinson did,” Johnson said. “He started with the Dodgers and now here I am being one of the first African-american owners with the Dodgers. It’s just amazing. I'm going to do everything I can to bring that incredible team back.”
Johnson is a L.A. icon and his involvement with the Dodgers will help restore the luster to the downtrodden franchise. He plans to be involved on the business side.
“I’m going to have a big role. Not just being an owner, but you are going to see me make a lot of decisions and be involved in TV deals, sponsorships H and marketing,” Johnson said. e gets a chance to watch his basketball life unfold on the stage in “Magic/bird.” The play begins with Johnson phoning Bird to inform him that he has contracted HIV and will have to retire and goes through their on-court rivalry and eventual friendship.
“What a story. Friendship, rivalry, you get everything rolled into one,” Johnson said. “It’s an exciting time for both Larry and I and for theater fans. For the second time they get a sports play because ‘Lombardi’ was before us and now you get us.”
Johnson is hoping the play will have just as successful a run on Broadway as he did in for Lakers in L.A. with “Showtime.”