Suns Pleased With Cam Johnson's Growth Thus Far
Phoenix Suns PF Cam Johnson has seen his name in headlines all summer, whether it be involving potential trade speculation, contract extension talks or any mix-ins with the Jae Crowder drama.
Johnson wasn't dealt - nor was he extended - and the relationship (on his accounts) is solid with Crowder.
Now, actual basketball is being played, and Johnson has started all six games.
Battling some injuries in the preseason mixed with less than ideal performances to begin the season didn't bode well for early fan perception, but Johnson is slowly steadying himself as a regular starter.
Monty Williams touched on Johnson's early impressions thus far:
“I think it takes a minute to become a night in, night out starter, but I think his acclamation will, hopefully, become smoother over time. It’s still hard to say, it’s a work in progress for sure, but he’s started before," Williams said.
"But he hasn’t been the night in, night out starter from the jump to where people are game planning for him at the start of the game, so I think, those guys are used to playing with each other but I think over time, we may learn some things about that lineup. I think defensively is where he has improved, his ability to stay in front of the ball, his weak side defense for sure has gotten better.
"The beginning of last year, that was a huge concern for us, watching him on the weak side as most young guys struggle, but I think it’s an environment that will allow us to grow and then we’re starting to settle into a rotation pattern of him and Chris coming out and then coming back in. Maybe that can be something we hold onto later into the season but we’ll see.”
Last season, Johnson started 16 games for Phoenix. He averaged 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in those starts while shooting 49.2% from the floor, including 42% from three-point land.
Johnson's numbers through a six game sample size fall short of all those categories, but plenty of basketball remains for him to catch up to those marks.
Chris Paul says Johnson's shooting is beneficial for the entire time.
“It’s so good just to see him let it fly. We have a drill in practice called ‘let it fly.’ When you shoot it like Cam, make or miss, when I kick it him and he shoots it, that’s great for us. Not just in that game but consistently for us all season long.”
Coming off a season best 19 points and seven rebounds, Johnson hopes to continue finding his footing as a permanent starter.
The Suns, who won their fourth-straight game to improve to 5-1 on the season, don't have many complaints about the progress thus far.
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