The Brooklyn Nets received some bad news about forward Cam Johnson heading into NBA training camp. He will be sidelined for the start of it as the team is exhibiting some caution after he suffered a hamstring injury during workouts last week.
While that is certainly not how he or the team wanted to start camp, he should be able to ramp up his activity relatively soon. Once he does, he will start practicing what will be an expanded role on the court.
Through the first few seasons of his career, Johnson was used mostly as a complementary 3-and-D player. He is someone who could be relied upon as a solid 3-point shooter and provides some versatility on the defensive end of the floor. But, the Nets are planning to expand his usage offensively as he will have the ball in his hands more.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Cam Johnson & Brooklyn Nets Updates
While speaking to reporters during media day, Johnson revealed that he is expecting to have a heavier on-ball role role this season. Given the makeup of the team’s roster, this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as they are deep on the wing but lacking depth in the backcourt.
“It’s something I’ve been working on my whole career, but being able to do it at a high level, being capable, that will help the team a lot… It’s definitely exciting, I’m definitely expecting more of that,” Johnson said of his expected expanded role.
The Nets acquired Johnson along with Mikal Bridges from the Phoenix Suns as part of the blockbuster trade centered around Kevin Durant. Bridges took on an expanded role right away, becoming the Nets’ No. 1 option and to-go player. Now, it is Johnson’s turn to broaden his horizons on the court.
Known mostly for his shooting prowess, as he is a 39.3 percent 3-point shooter, Johnson has averaged only 1.5 assists per game in his career. Expect a huge uptick in that department this season as he will be relied on to make more plays this season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Cam Johnson & Brooklyn Nets Updates
It should come as no surprise given the contract that he and the Nets agreed to as a restricted free agent this summer. Johnson landed a four-year, $108 million deal, and for that kind of money, Brooklyn is hoping to get more than solid 3-point shooting.
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