Cam Johnson Thrives in Denver, Guided by Formative Wisdom – The Athletic
Cam Johnson, the new starting forward for the Denver Nuggets, is adjusting to life in his new city and team. This transition brings both excitement and pressure as he prepares for the upcoming season. A key figure in Johnson’s life during this period of change is his father, Gil Johnson. They speak daily, often multiple times, influencing Cam’s perspective and development on and off the court.
Turning Point: A Trade to Denver
The Nuggets acquired Johnson from Brooklyn in June, trading away Michael Porter Jr. and a first-round draft pick. With this significant move, the team hopes Johnson’s exceptional shooting and ball-handling skills will enhance their offensive strategy and help them pursue another championship title.
Preseason Performance and Adjustments
- Cam’s preseason averages: 8.2 points and 30.4% shooting from 3-point range.
- Focusing on developing chemistry with new teammates.
- Acknowledging challenges in adapting to a new role and team dynamics.
Johnson admits that his preseason statistics aren’t his primary concern. Instead, his focus is on building rapport with teammates and understanding their playing styles. He recognizes the learning curve involved in fitting into a well-established lineup, which includes stars like Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon.
Family Legacy and Resilience
Daily conversations with his father include lessons from Cam’s late grandmother, Helen Johnson, who emphasized resilience and faith. Following her passing last year, both Cam and Gil acknowledge that her wisdom profoundly influences their lives. Cam recalls childhood dinners where themes of hard work and humility prevailed.
Pre-Game Rituals and Inspirations
Before games, Johnson recites Psalm 23, a practice instilled by his father that echoes the values of his grandmother. This ritual offers comfort and motivation, reminding him of the teachings he cherishes.
Integrating into the Nuggets’ System
While acclimatizing to the Nuggets, Johnson faces the challenge of integrating into a complex offensive system. Coach David Adelman highlights Johnson’s basketball IQ, noting how his skillset will expand the team’s offensive capabilities.
- Johnson’s self-awareness about being a newcomer in a cohesive team.
- Efforts to avoid indecision during games and practice.
Despite early difficulties, teammates reassure him that he will find his place. Both Murray and Gordon emphasize his ability and intelligence, suggesting that all he needs to do is remain himself.
Navigating New Beginnings
As Johnson settles into Denver, he is also focused on creating a comfortable home environment. Currently, he is missing his dog, Halo, which adds to his feeling of displacement. However, he seeks solace in reading and maintaining a self-care routine, crucial for managing the pressures of professional basketball.
Looking Ahead
Johnson remains optimistic about his future with the Nuggets. With every practice and game, he aims to regain the rhythm that saw him average 18.8 points and shoot 39% from beyond the arc last season. He understands that the journey to finding his footing will take time, but with support from family and teammates, he believes he can thrive in Denver.
