How Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges Thrive with the Brooklyn Nets

Johnson and Bridges were involved in the trade that sent Kevin Durant away from Brooklyn.

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Ever since Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges were traded to the Brooklyn Nets from the Phoenix Suns, they have embraced bigger roles than what they had before. Bridges, in particular, has become one of the best scorers on the Nets team, and in the second half of the 2022/23 season, he was averaging 26.1 points per game.

Getting to the Mikalbow pic.twitter.com/ghfl07gxqQ

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 11, 2023

Johnson's involvement increased, considering he was typically the lowest priority in the Suns lineup; in Brooklyn, he's entrusted with more shots and even has the liberty to handle the ball as necessary, a transition he and Mikal appreciated about their move to the East Coast.

“The baseline of it is we’re afforded more responsibility and freedom, just given our system and what we want to do,” Johnson said on Run Your Race. “Brooklyn kinda gave us an opportunity to practice what we’ve been working on. In Phoenix, our jobs were very specified.”

Making the extra extra extra pass 👌 pic.twitter.com/SabrmrlHei

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 11, 2023

Both players can shine in Brooklyn

Mikal has quickly emerged as a key player for Brooklyn, showcasing his prowess as a primary offensive contributor and serving as the go-to defender in crucial situations. While he may not have the same level of stardom as some other superstars, he is establishing himself as a rising talent in his own right.

During his time with Phoenix, Johnson frequently played a supporting role, setting screens and making shots when Chris Paul distributed the ball. However, in Brooklyn, his role has evolved beyond that, allowing him to integrate off-the-dribble offense and take opportunities to drive into the paint, breaking away from his previous label as solely a stretch forward.

Not restricted to roles anymore

In his Phoenix days, Mikal was primarily recognized as a transition threat and corner shooter. 

Now, with the Nets, both Bridges and Johnson enjoy the freedom to break away from playing strictly to the preferences of Chris Paul or Devin Booker, allowing them to showcase the skills honed in practice and explore a more versatile style beyond corner shooting.

“You got guys like Chris Paul and Devin Booker, you want the ball in their hands. You find your way to complement the best and it worked so you continue to do it,” Johnson said. “Our games were definitely based around that.”

Now that the “Twins” are playing with the Nets, they want to lead their team and prove themselves as high-level athletes moving forward for the Nets in competing for the NBA Playoffs.

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