When Cameron Johnson made his debut for the Denver Nuggets last year, he never really looked at home. He didn't appear comfortable on the court, and at times, he looked out of place. But as the season progressed, Johnson looked better and better, and it culminated in a couple of amazing performances in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That season-ending Cam is the Cam that's showing up for the Nuggets to start the preseason this year, and he looks primed to be a key role player in the starting unit.
Johnson scored 15 points in the Nuggets' 133-128 preseason win over the Chicago Bulls, shooting 5-for-7 from the field and hitting 4 of 5 threes. Knocking those threes down is crucial to Johnson's role in the Nuggets' offense. They provide spacing and an outlet for Nikola Jokic when he's getting pressured in the double team. Cam does a phenomenal job of helping with spacing, and the pressure relief he provides the offense will wear opponents down.
Johnson will make defenses pay for leaving him open
Johnson has been exceptional in the first three preseason games, and the way he's moved without the ball to find open space for his shot has been fun to watch. Johnson knows where to be to set himself up for the pass, and he's been able to lose his defender on multiple occasions, freeing himself up for an open three-point attempt and the occasional cut to the rim.
Johnson is shooting a red-hot 57.1% from beyond the arc so far, and with a more confident and quick release, showing no hesitation at all, he could absolutely improve on the 43.0% he shot last year. Cam was often a little hesitant, especially early on, and it allowed defenders a split second to react and alter the shot. Instead, he's going to make opponents regret leaving their spot.
Cam needed a chance to gel with the team
It's great to see Cam playing so well. He had to step into the Michael Porter Jr. role last year, after the Nuggets traded MPJ and a first-round pick to shed salary. And the Nuggets decided that Cam was the answer this year over Peyton Watson. That's a lot of added pressure, but so far, so good.
Johnson, like most of the Nuggets' starters last year, missed considerable time due to an injury. That definitely kept him from gelling with the starting unit until later in the season. That's not the case anymore, and Johnson looks ready to be one of the standout role players for the Nuggets in 2026-27.
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