Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about Johnny Newman, a former NBA player:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: John Sylvester Newman Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on November 28, 1963
  • Hometown: Danville, Virginia, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm)
  • Weight: 210 pounds (95 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 8 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 15 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 22, 21, 20, and 4
  • Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
  • High School: George Washington High School in Danville, Virginia
  • College: University of Richmond (1981–1986)
  • NBA Draft: Selected in the 2nd round (29th overall pick) in the 1986 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Teams Played For:
    • Cleveland Cavaliers (1986–1987)
    • New York Knicks (1987–1990)
    • Charlotte Hornets (1990–1994)
    • New Jersey Nets (1994–1996)
    • Milwaukee Bucks (1996–1999)
    • Denver Nuggets (1999–2000)
    • Dallas Mavericks (2000–2001)
  • Championship Rings: None in the NBA
  • Kids: Not publicly available
  • Siblings: Not publicly available

Player Archetype / Play Style

Johnny Newman’s player archetype was that of a smooth scoring swingman: a long, lean 6-foot-7 wing who could play either shooting guard or small forward, space the floor, score within the flow of the offense, and give teams reliable secondary shot creation without needing the ball every trip. Offensively, he fit best as a versatile perimeter scorer who could knock down jumpers, attack closeouts, and chip in as a steady double-digit option, while defensively he was more of a size-and-position wing defender than a true stopper, using his frame and experience to hold his ground across the perimeter. His physical traits and play style pointed to a polished, fluid player rather than an overpowering one, and that combination helped him carve out a long NBA career built on efficient scoring, lineup flexibility, and understated all-around wing play. (Basketball Reference)

Notes:

  • Similar players to Johnny Newman include Scottie Pippen.

Sources:

Basketball-Reference — Johnny Newman Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
Richmond Spiders — John S. Newman Jr. (1992) – Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame — Johnny Newman