Cam Johnson Adjusts to Life with Denver Nuggets Amid High Expectations

DENVER — Cam Johnson, the new starting forward for the Denver Nuggets, is adapting to his new team and city after being traded from Brooklyn in June. The Nuggets acquired Johnson, sending sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. and a first-round draft pick in return, in hopes that his exceptional shooting and ball-handling skills will improve their offense.

As the regular season nears, the 29-year-old Johnson admits he feels uneasy. He acknowledges the pressure to integrate with a well-established lineup featuring stars like Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. Although his preseason performance has been modest with 8.2 points per game and 30.4 percent shooting from three-point range, Johnson is more concerned about building chemistry with his teammates.

“When you go to a new spot, you almost feel like you are restarting, and there can be frustration in that,” Johnson said. He emphasizes the importance of understanding his teammates’ playing styles and communication on the court.

Daily conversations with his father, Gil, provide Johnson with valuable insights and support. Gil mentioned that these discussions often include wisdom passed down from Cam’s late grandmother, Helen Johnson, who stressed resilience and faith. Both Cam and Gil reflect on how her lessons have shaped their lives.

“Mama Helen was a resilient woman,” Gil said, recalling how she overcame challenges while raising her family. Cam echoes this sentiment, noting that he thinks of his grandmother before every game and recites Psalm 23 as a pregame ritual.

In a recent preseason game, Johnson experienced the challenges of fitting into Denver’s complex offensive system. Although he struggled initially, he is focused on learning how to work effectively with his teammates. Coach David Adelman praised Johnson’s basketball IQ and believes he will enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.

“He’s been exactly what we thought we got,” Adelman said. “He adds a whole new dimension to our offense.”

Teammates Murray and Gordon reassure Johnson that he will find his place as long as he remains true to himself. Gordon stated, “Cam is such a great player that all he has to do is be himself, and it will all work out.”

As Johnson settles into Denver, he also is focused on creating a comfortable home environment. Currently missing his dog, Halo, Johnson finds solace in reading and exercising, essential for balancing the pressures of professional basketball.

Looking ahead, Johnson remains optimistic about his future with the Nuggets. With continued practice and support from his family and teammates, he aims to regain the rhythm that saw him average 18.8 points and shoot 39 percent from beyond the arc last season.