Former professional basketball player, Johnny Green, has died. He was 89. The New York Knicks star player spent over six years with the Knicks and helped them achieve several successes on the court. In today’s article, we delve into the cause of death of Johnny Green, his net worth, as well as information about his bereaved wife and children.

Green’s death was announced by veteran NBA writer, Peter Vecsey, in a post he made on X (formerly Twitter), on Thursday, November 16. He referenced Green’s former Knicks teammate, Sam Stith, as the source of his information.

“Just received terrible news from former Knick, Sam Stith. Jumpin’ Johnny Green passed this morning,” part of Vecsey’s post reads.

Who was Johnny Green?

Green was born in Dayton, Ohio, on December 8, 1933. He was a few weeks from clocking 90 years. He was said to be under six foot tall in high school, reason he couldn’t player basketball while in Paul Laurence Dunbar High School which is also located in Dayton.

Green, before turning 20, joined the United States Marine Corps. He joined the force at the time the Korean War was in full swing. It is believed that it was during his time with the Marines that his height increased to 6 foot and 5 inches. As a result of his height gain, Green started playing basketball at the military base, and later became part of the base’s basketball team.

In 1955, after serving in the military, Green proceeded to Michigan State University (MSU) for further studies. While there, he played in 1955–56 Spartans’ freshman team. He later became eligible to play for the school’s team in January 1957, at age 23. Playing for MSU was Green’s first college basketball experience.

The late Johnny Green began his professional career in the NBA when he was selected by the New York Knicks, as the 5th overall pick in the 1959 NBA Draft. He went on to play for the team for over six years.

In 1965, Johnny Green moved from the Knicks to Baltimore Bullets where he played two seasons before proceeding again to the defunct San Diego Rockets which metamorphosed into the current Houston Rockets.

Green further played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cincinnati Royals / Kansas City-Omaha Kings before retiring from basketball in 1973. In all, the veteran power forward spent 14 years in the league.

Johnny Green cause of death

The cause of death of Green is yet to be revealed. Vecsey’s post made no mention of how the veteran 4x NBA All-Stars died. The former player’s family is also yet to make any pronouncement to that effect.

Johnny Green net worth

Johnny Green had an estimated net worth of $5 million.

Green played for 14 years in the NBA. He was well paid by the teams he played for. He also enjoyed endorsement deals which brought millions into his coffers.

In addition, Green entered the restaurant business after retiring from basketball. He owned one of the most popular McDonald’s franchises in the world in Springfield Gardens, New York. The restaurant is closer to the JFK Airport, and brought huge returns to Green.

Johnny Green Wife

Green is survived by his wife Esther. Unfortunately, information about his wife remain scarce due to the couple’s love for privacy.

Johnny Green children

Johnny and Esther have four children together. Information about their children are also not available.

Source: TimeGist.com