Inside The Nets

Cam Johnson Sees Bright Future for Brooklyn Nets Despite Early Season Injuries

The Nets have continued to battle despite their litany of injuries.

Peter Sunjic

© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
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The Brooklyn Nets have been impressive to start the season when you consider they’ve arguably been the most injured team in the league. They have regularly missed out on three starters to start the season, among them forward Cameron Johnson.

Despite the injuries, the Nets have remained competitive in most of their games. They have played plenty of close games which could’ve been better results if they were healthy. Johnson himself is high on the Nets because he feels they have the tools to be competitive, especially with him making his return.

“It’s just a good group of guys. Competitive. There’s still some stuff to figure out but guys are invested, playing the right way. Then you add Ben (Simmons) to the mix. He looks the part right now,” Johnson said on Run Your Race. “There’s so much potential and money to be made playing off of that, we’re just tapping into that now.”

Johnson believes Simmons is the key to their success

Ben Simmons is now a veteran for the Nets and he is one of the most experienced players on the team. He has All-NBA and All-Star nods in the past but after his controversial exit from Philadelphia, some people are down on his stock. Through the first few games, Ben has proven he can be the lead playmaker for Coach Jacque Vaughn and the Nets.

The Nets have played a fast-paced style all season and that is mostly because of Simmons’ playmaking. Whenever he’s not with the team, they are playing considerably slower and their offense is not flowing as well as they would hope.

Simmons’ defensive impact is also a huge talking point given that he can keep up with perimeter players with his athleticism but he is also a superb paint presence. His rebounding has helped finish off possessions and he will run in transition to set up his teammates.

Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges work well on offense

Apart from Simmons, Cameron Thomas and Mikal Bridges have stood out for the Nets. Thomas, in particular, has been amazing as he’s having a breakout season as the Nets’ leading scorer. Before he got injured, Thomas was averaging 26.9 points per game, firmly cementing himself as one of the league’s best young talents.

Bridges has remained one of the most consistent players on the team as he’s still a solid defender while being one of the best scorers on the team. This Nets squad has solid potential moving forward, especially with coach Vaughn making sure everyone is in the right position to succeed. 

Ben Simmons is thriving as the Brooklyn Nets’ primary playmaker

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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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