The Little General may now be charged with motivating teammates in Denver, but for seven years he used his unforgettable Southern-fried twang and fiery personality to charm San Antonio and muscle the Spurs into playoff shape. When the Nuggets visit the Alamodome on Friday, Johnson will return as the franchise's all-time assists leader as well as one of its most popular players.

When Gregg Popovich needed someone to lead alongside Robinson, it was Johnson who took command. When the Spurs needed one more basket to win the 1999 championship, it was Johnson who made the shot.