Inside The Nets

Why Cam Johnson loved playing under Monty Williams

With two games against the Pistons, Cam Johnson has reminisced about his time under Monty Williams.
Peter Sunjic|
© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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Brooklyn Nets

Nets starter Cameron Johnson began his career with the Phoenix Suns when he was selected 11th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. He was superb during his four-year stint with the team as he went from backup forward to becoming a regular starter.

Throughout his initial four seasons, Johnson was solely under the guidance of one head coach—Monty Williams. The 27-year-old has plenty of memories from his days playing in Phoenix, which he recalled after Brooklyn's first game against the Williams-coached Detroit Pistons.

"You know, it's sometimes a matter of staying the course and having that belief, but I love playing for Coach Mont. Four years of it, and you know, you grow close over that time, and you learn a lot about the game. I learned a lot from him, a whole lot from him," Cam said in his interview.

Cam developed well under Monty

Heading into his rookie season in the 2019/20 campaign, Cam was not popular among NBA pundits. He was seen as an older rookie with limited upside, but Johnson proved he can be a solid piece in coach Williams' system as a shooter and decent defender.

Through the years, the North Carolina product continued to develop into a rock-solid member of the rotation. He became the starting power forward in the 2022/23 season when he averaged 13.9 points per game with an efficient 45.5% from beyond the arc.

"So he was huge in my development as a player, and so, I know what he's capable of on that end, and they got so much young talent that if they believe, they can really be a good, solid team, you know? A contender," Johnson said.

Positive growth after his Suns stint

Cam was traded mid-way into the season alongside Mikal Bridges in the trade that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix. This was the first time in Johnson's NBA career that he was not playing for Monty, and there were some positive results as the 6'8" forward continued to turn into a superb player.

He signed a four-year, $108 million contract extension with Brooklyn, which will mean he will be a Net for the foreseeable future. Cam has continued to improve as a player under coach Jacque Vaughn, as he's a locked-in starter every night when he's healthy.

Cam Johnson believes the win over the Pistons can be the start of a winning streak

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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