Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
AJ Johnson is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born Akeem Jamaal Johnson on December 1, 2004, in Fresno, California, he developed into a promising basketball prospect before beginning his professional career in Australia and entering the NBA. Although much of his personal life remains private, his mother, grandmother and younger brother have featured in reports about his upbringing and basketball journey.
AJ Johnson’s mother is Ashley Bufford, who has publicly expressed pride in her son’s accomplishments. He also has at least one younger brother, whose childhood medical treatment inspired Johnson to return to a hospital in Fresno to support young patients. His grandmother played an important role in connecting him with a basketball trainer during middle school. While these family relationships have been documented, Johnson has not publicly revealed reliable details about his father’s identity, current girlfriend or whether he has children.
Does AJ Johnson Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, AJ Johnson has not publicly confirmed that he is in a romantic relationship. The New Orleans Pelicans guard has kept his dating life away from public attention, and reliable sports publications have not identified a current girlfriend.
Since establishing himself as a basketball prospect in California, Johnson has received considerable media attention for his athletic ability, development overseas and transition to the NBA.
However, his interviews have concentrated primarily on his basketball ambitions, relationships with coaches and friendship with fellow NBA player Jalen Green.
There is also no verified public announcement indicating that Johnson is married or engaged.
Although his romantic life may interest basketball fans, the absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean he is single.
His current relationship status remains undisclosed.
Does AJ Johnson Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that AJ Johnson has children.
The American basketball player has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biography does not identify him as a father.
Most publicly available information about his personal background concerns his childhood in Fresno, family relationships and professional basketball development.
Johnson has generally maintained privacy regarding his personal relationships and potential parenthood.
As of now, it remains unconfirmed whether AJ Johnson has any children.
Who Are AJ Johnson’s Parents?
AJ Johnson’s mother is Ashley Bufford, whose identity was confirmed during an August 2025 interview with ABC30 Fresno.
His father’s name has not been reliably established through official NBA biographies or the principal interviews covering Johnson’s basketball career.
Although relatively little information is available about his parents, Johnson’s mother has spoken about the family’s experiences and her pride in his accomplishments.
AJ Johnson’s Mother: Ashley Bufford
Ashley Bufford is the mother of NBA basketball player AJ Johnson.
She became publicly identified through an August 23, 2025, report by ABC30 Fresno, which covered her son’s visit to Valley Children’s Hospital in California.
During the interview, Bufford discussed her family’s connection to the hospital and the emotions associated with watching AJ return as a professional athlete.
The hospital held personal significance for the Johnson family because AJ’s youngest brother had received medical treatment there several years earlier.
According to ABC30, the experience had been difficult for the family, making AJ’s return particularly meaningful.
Bufford expressed pride in seeing her son give back to young patients and families facing challenging circumstances.
She also discussed how impressed she was by his determination, focus and willingness to pursue opportunities beyond his hometown.
Her remarks demonstrated the emotional importance of Johnson’s basketball achievements to his family.
At the time, Johnson had already been selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft and played professionally for the Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards.
His return to Fresno represented an opportunity to reconnect with the community where he grew up.
Although Bufford has publicly discussed her son’s achievements, details about her profession, age and educational background have not been reliably established in major sports publications.
AJ Johnson’s Father: Who Is His Dad?
AJ Johnson’s father’s identity has not been conclusively established in reliable public sources.
His official NBA biography focuses primarily on his basketball development, high school career, experience with the Illawarra Hawks and selection in the 2024 NBA Draft.
It does not identify his father by name or provide details about his occupation.
In April 2025, The Washington Post published an extensive profile examining Johnson’s early basketball development, including his relationships with youth coaches Mike Hill and Walter Orr.
The report emphasized the involvement of Johnson’s grandmother in arranging his early training opportunities.
Although several people who helped guide his basketball development were interviewed, the article did not establish his father’s identity.
Consequently, any claims about his father’s name, professional background or direct involvement in his childhood would require additional verification.
As of now, his father’s personal details remain undisclosed in reliable public reporting.
Who Are AJ Johnson’s Siblings?
AJ Johnson has at least one younger brother, whose existence was confirmed during a 2025 visit to Valley Children’s Hospital in Fresno, California.
The basketball player’s younger brother has generally remained outside the public spotlight, and reliable reports have not disclosed his name.
It is also unclear whether Johnson has additional brothers or sisters.
AJ Johnson’s Younger Brother
AJ Johnson’s younger brother became part of a publicly documented family story in August 2025.
During an interview with ABC30 Fresno, Johnson explained that his brother had received treatment at Valley Children’s Hospital when he was eight years old.
That childhood experience established a personal connection between the Johnson family and the medical institution.
Years later, after AJ became a professional basketball player, he returned to the hospital to spend time with young patients and their families.
During the visit, he distributed basketball jerseys, signed autographs and encouraged children receiving treatment.
His mother, Ashley Bufford, accompanied the visit and described the emotions associated with returning to a place that had helped their family.
The hospital’s charitable foundation subsequently highlighted the visit in its October 2025 philanthropy newsletter.
The foundation explained that Johnson wanted to recognize the care his family had previously received while providing encouragement to children facing similar challenges.
Although his brother’s name and current activities have not been publicly confirmed, the hospital visit illustrates the importance of this family relationship in Johnson’s personal life.
Is Jalen Green AJ Johnson’s Brother?
Jalen Green is not AJ Johnson’s biological brother. However, the two professional basketball players share a close friendship that began during childhood in Fresno, California.
Johnson has repeatedly described Green as an older brother and mentor because of their longstanding relationship.
In a July 2022 interview with Pro Insight, Johnson explained that he had known Green since he was approximately ten years old.
Both athletes grew up in Fresno and spent years training in basketball gyms together.
Johnson admired Green’s development into an elite high school basketball prospect and eventual NBA player.
Watching Green’s progress provided valuable motivation as Johnson pursued a similar professional path.
In August 2023, while preparing for his first season with the Illawarra Hawks in Australia, Johnson discussed their relationship in an interview referenced by the Australian club.
He explained that Green was like a brother to him and that they had trained together since childhood.
The relationship was also explored in an April 2025 article published by The Washington Post.
The newspaper reported that Green had encouraged trainer Mike Hill to continue working with Johnson when the younger player was still developing his abilities.
The two maintained a competitive relationship as their basketball careers progressed.
Green was also present during Johnson’s selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, celebrating the achievement alongside him.
Although the players are not biologically related, their friendship represents one of the most important personal relationships publicly documented in Johnson’s basketball journey.
AJ Johnson’s Grandmother and Her Influence on His Career
AJ Johnson’s grandmother played a significant role in helping him access structured basketball training during his childhood.
Her involvement was documented in an April 2025 report by The Washington Post, which examined Johnson’s development from an overlooked middle school player into an NBA first-round draft pick.
According to the report, trainer Mike Hill first noticed Johnson while coaching against him in a middle school basketball game.
Although Johnson did not score during the contest, Hill was impressed by his composure, movements and ability to handle defensive pressure.
Following the game, Hill approached Johnson’s grandmother and offered to help train the young player.
He provided his business card, but the family did not immediately contact him.
Several months later, Hill encountered Johnson and his grandmother again at another basketball game.
Recognizing the player’s potential, he repeated his offer and explained that he was willing to provide training without charging the family.
Johnson’s grandmother accepted the arrangement, helping establish a relationship between the young athlete and a coach who would become important to his development.
Hill subsequently helped Johnson improve his basketball skills and gain opportunities to train alongside talented players from Fresno.
Although his grandmother’s name has not been reliably established in the available reporting, her decision to support his early training became a meaningful part of his path toward professional basketball.
How Did AJ Johnson’s Family Influence His Basketball Career?
AJ Johnson’s basketball journey began in Fresno, California, where he developed an interest in the sport at a young age.
His early environment included family members, basketball trainers and older players who helped him gain experience.
His grandmother’s introduction to trainer Mike Hill created an important opportunity for structured development.
Johnson later attended San Joaquin Memorial High School before transferring to William Howard Taft High School in the Los Angeles area.
He also spent time at Donda Academy and Southern California Academy as he continued his high school basketball development.
During this period, he became recognized as a talented guard with excellent athleticism and playmaking potential.
He participated in the Chris Paul Elite Guard Camp in 2022 and the Iverson Classic in 2023.
Johnson initially committed to the University of Texas but later changed his plans, choosing to begin his professional career in Australia rather than play college basketball.
In 2023, he joined the Illawarra Hawks of Australia’s National Basketball League through the Next Stars program.
The move represented a major step in his development, allowing him to experience professional basketball while still a teenager.
However, his first season was challenging. He played limited minutes and averaged 2.9 points per game in 26 appearances.
Despite those difficulties, Johnson remained determined to pursue his ambition of reaching the NBA.
His professional experience, physical attributes and long-term potential attracted attention from NBA scouts.
On June 26, 2024, the Milwaukee Bucks selected him with the 23rd overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Johnson later joined the Washington Wizards in February 2025 as part of the trade involving Kyle Kuzma and Khris Middleton.
His NBA journey subsequently included the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025–26 season.
In September 2026, Johnson joined the New Orleans Pelicans following a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Although he has played for several organizations early in his professional career, Johnson’s connection to his hometown and family has remained a documented part of his personal story.
AJ Johnson’s Family and His Commitment to Giving Back
One of the clearest examples of AJ Johnson’s commitment to his family and hometown occurred during his August 2025 visit to Valley Children’s Hospital.
For Johnson, the institution represented more than a local charity because his younger brother had previously received care there.
His return as an NBA player allowed him to recognize the hospital’s support while creating positive experiences for other families.
During the visit, Johnson interacted with children, signed memorabilia and offered encouragement to patients.
His mother joined him and spoke about the emotional significance of the occasion.
The event demonstrated how a personal family experience had motivated Johnson to participate in community outreach.
While his professional basketball career has taken him from California to Australia and several NBA cities, his visit highlighted his continued connection to Fresno.
Frequently Asked Questions About AJ Johnson’s Family
Who is AJ Johnson’s mother?
AJ Johnson’s mother is Ashley Bufford. She was interviewed by ABC30 Fresno in August 2025 during her son’s visit to Valley Children’s Hospital.
Who is AJ Johnson’s father?
AJ Johnson’s father’s name has not been reliably confirmed in official NBA biographies or established public interviews.
Does AJ Johnson have siblings?
Yes. AJ Johnson has at least one younger brother, whose existence was confirmed during his 2025 hospital visit in Fresno, California.
What is AJ Johnson’s brother’s name?
His younger brother’s name has not been reliably disclosed in public reporting.
Is Jalen Green AJ Johnson’s biological brother?
No. Jalen Green and AJ Johnson are longtime friends from Fresno, California. Johnson considers Green an older brother and mentor, but they are not biological siblings.
Does AJ Johnson have a girlfriend?
As of now, AJ Johnson has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend, and his relationship status remains private.
Is AJ Johnson married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that AJ Johnson is married.
Does AJ Johnson have children?
There are no verified public reports confirming that AJ Johnson has sons or daughters.
What is AJ Johnson’s real name?
His full name is Akeem Jamaal Johnson.
Where was AJ Johnson born?
AJ Johnson was born on December 1, 2004, in Fresno, California, United States.
Which NBA team does AJ Johnson play for?
AJ Johnson joined the New Orleans Pelicans on September 8, 2026, following a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
