Inside The Nets

Cameron Johnson Feels Confident in Bouncing Back from Shooting Slump

After returning from his calf injury, Cam has been struggling with shooting the ball efficiently.

Peter Sunjic

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Before the 2023/24 season started, the Brooklyn Nets strongly committed to forward Cameron Johnson by handing him a four-year $94.5 million deal. Despite being a highly skilled player, Cameron Johnson has struggled to live up to his contract this season, experiencing a downturn in performance.

Known as an efficient wing, Johnson averages only 13.7 points per game while shooting a lackluster 40.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc so far this season. That is not what we are used to from Cam, but considering that he’s bouncing back from a calf injury, he needs time to get his legs under him.

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“I think I'm finding shots that I want. I'd say a disproportionate amount of them have come up a little short and left the hand feeling good. Which is something I’ve got to address,” Cam said in a practice session presser. “If those ones fall – which they felt like they would, this conversation would be completely different… I'm catching them in rhythm, I'm shooting them in rhythm, and they're feeling good leaving the hand. So that's all I can do and just keep playing that way.”

The Nets have to be patient with Johnson

Through the years, Johnson has proven that he is one of the most efficient two-way players in the league. He was often seen as a reliable piece during his Phoenix Suns days as the glue guy who could hit open shots and move well off the ball.

He is still feeling out of his game after not playing for a long while, especially since he did not get consistent minutes during his stint with Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Now, he is getting the reps, he just needs the shots to fall to build his confidence better and help coach Jacque Vaughn.

Johnson has the opportunity to bounce back soon

Since his return, Johnson faced teams with top-10 defensive ratings, but in their upcoming games, they'll face teams with weaker defenses. Provided his teammates continue to set him up for open shots, Cam is poised to deliver with his shooting.

Should Johnson improve his scoring, he has the potential to significantly enhance the Nets' offensive capabilities, offering valuable spacing for others to operate.

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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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