Nuggets traded for most intriguing player this offseason

Everyone seems to be intrigued by what the Nuggets have done this offseason, but some even more than others. On the most recent episode of the Zach Lowe Show podcast, Zach and his Ringer colleague, Howard Beck, picked their most intriguing players for next season, and Beck selected the Nuggets’ newly acquired Cam Johnson with his first selection.

Beck is most intrigued by the little things Johnson does and his ability to pass and cut. The pair talked about how he’d be a perfect fit in that lineup, playing alongside Nikola Jokic. It was also mentioned that one shouldn’t read too much into any of his drop-offs in Brooklyn because he was playing above his role and the team wasn’t trying to be competitive.

This especially applies to Johnson’s defense, which was promising in Phoenix but fell off considerably during his time with the Nets. But now that Johnson isn’t the number one or two option on a tanking team, there’s a lot of hope that his game will improve on the margins.

Johnson should thrive in smaller role

In Denver, Johnson won’t be asked to be on the ball nearly as much. He’ll be a movement shooter, a cutter, a guy who keeps the ball moving, and someone who thrives off of relocation. He’ll finish plays, he’ll bury shots, he’ll find open teammates, and if the situation calls for it, he can attack a closeout and create a good shot for himself or a teammate.

With a lessened offensive load and presumably a more competitive environment, Johnson should also be able to focus much more effort and energy on the defensive end. If he can get back to being an above-average wing defender, the Nuggets could actually boast a pretty strong defense led by Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, and Johnson in the starting lineup.

Johnson should be rejuvenated by competitive climate

Johnson came into the league with the Suns and was playing meaningful minutes in the NBA Finals by his second season in the league. He was traded to Brooklyn as part of the Kevin Durant trade and hasn’t even experienced a playoff game in two years.

Hopefully, that experience has shown Johnson not to take winning for granted. He should be hungry to get back to a winning situation and prove that he is still the player he once was, one who can contribute to winning in a meaningful way.

It’s an exciting opportunity for a player who is still just 29 years old. He should have plenty in the tank, and the fit on and off the court in Denver should bring the absolute best out of Cam Johnson this season.