Cameron Johnson will play limited minutes in the season opener against Cleveland Cavaliers

After a fruitful 2022/23 season, Cameron Johnson boasted an average of 15.5 points per game, showcasing remarkable shooting percentages of 47% from the field and an impressive 40.4% from beyond the arc. Surprisingly, despite these stellar stats, Johnson appeared in only 42 games split between his stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.

During the season, Cam grappled with persistent knee injuries, with the standout being a torn meniscus during his tenure with the Suns. In the summer, he and Nets teammate Mikal Bridges represented Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He was healthy then, but Johnson suffered a left hamstring injury during a preseason workout in early October.

“Heading in all directions for him to be available opening night… I think his progression to get to this point has been pretty methodical, and our approach [was] getting him to feel comfortable when he’s back on the floor,” Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn said during a team practice. “He’s done the work behind the scenes to be in a position to practice today, and hopefully, he continues to.”

Cameron Johnson will be available for Nets’ season opener. pic.twitter.com/pC6QrfRSu6
— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) October 21, 2023

Johnson felt it was a random injury

Johnson's participation in Saturday's practice, where he confidently took and made shots during shootaround, marked a positive turn. This bodes well for his readiness to join the Nets in their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25 at the Barclays Center.

The 6'8" forward recounted his injury as a sudden and unexpected occurrence, a tightening sensation that led to his preseason sidelining. Fortunately, he diligently observed every practice and game, allowing him to align with Coach Jacque Vaughn and the Nets' strategies.

“It felt good getting up and down. I’ve been watching, observing, seeing what we’re trying to put in, how we’re trying to execute things offensively and defensively,” Johnson said during Saturday’s practice.

Vaughn will gradually integrate Johnson into the rotation

Vaughn is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing Cam's recovery over a hasty return to the squad. Recognizing the complexity of a lower-body injury like a hamstring strain, the Nets' head coach is making prudent decisions to ensure Cam's long-term well-being.

Johnson is poised to be a key player in the 2023/24 season, known for his precision in long-range shooting. His impressive 40.4% accuracy from beyond the arc will be further amplified by the presence of a fit Ben Simmons, who is primed to provide him with the precise passes he requires.