Cam Johnson says Goodbye to Brooklyn

Cameron Johnson is headed for Denver but still had some nice things to say on his way out

It took a year longer than everyone expected, but the Brooklyn Nets finally traded Cam Johnson. It’s old news at this point, with word of the deal first getting out on June 30th. However, the young sharpshooter turned veteran leader took some time to thank Brooklyn on his way out this week, appearing once more on The Young Man & the Three Podcast.

“First of all, man, just, I love the people in that building, my teammates, coaching staff, front office, training staff, strength staff, like the best part about playing in Brooklyn, for me, was just showing up to work every day and seeing those guys and ladies that we had in the building,” Johnson said. “And I enjoyed it because of that, and I had faith in what we were building because of that.”

Johnson’s run with the Nets saw him average 16.1 points, 2.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds and a steal per game while posting 46/38/86 shooting splits across 140 games. He only logged 57 with Jordi Fernández as his head coach, but had plenty to say about him nonetheless.

“I really think Jordi is a fantastic coach,” Johnson went on. “That one season under him, personnel constantly shifting, we had trades, we had injuries, and you know, he always maintained such a good approach to the team, and he was always able to motivate us to play hard. Our record wasn’t great last year, but I think throughout the season, we consistently gave effort, and I credit our coaching staff a lot for that.”

Johnson’s timing in Brooklyn was about as unfortunate as anyone’s. He came in exchange for an irreplaceable player in terms of notoriety and on-court impact. He would later turn in a fantastic campaign, only for it to fall on the first season in 20-some years where fans couldn’t fully appreciate it. (He also, in my humble opinion, had to endure a hideous uniform stretch for a franchise that’s otherwise put out absolute heat this decade!)

Nonetheless, Johnson remained gracious for the opportunity in Brooklyn during and now at the end of his tenure.

“Two years there, playoffs when we first got there, obviously we wish we could have been better, and I was willing to do everything I could in my power to get us back on a winning track and I think they’ll get there eventually,” he said. “I have faith in those guys in that building, and obviously, I’ll miss them, and I appreciate them. I appreciate everything they did for myself and my career.”

CJ also wished Michael Porter Jr. the best of luck. MPJ, who along with Denver’s unprotected first rounder, is headed to Brooklyn in the exchange. MPJ got two years left on his deal and will likely spend them both in Brooklyn, as teams probably won’t be lining up to pay him the $79 million he’s owed via that contract.

Indeed, Johnson’s years as a Net were peculiar ones for the franchise, but that shouldn’t be a reason to dismiss the work he put in. In fact, it should have a polar opposite effect. Johnson bought in with the Nets at a time when others likely wouldn’t have. He proudly wore the uniform in an era we were thrust into after others eagerly tore it off.

That doesn’t even include the abundance of what he’s done for the community. In his two and a half years here. It included working multiple food drives and supporting the Brooklyn youth by hosting basketball camps and speaking at schools to support STEM education.

Bottom line, Johnson was a consummate pro with us as well. There wasn’t a single post game press conference involving him last year where he didn’t give thoughtful, detailed answers to our questions. By all accounts, he enjoyed being a Net when it wasn’t an easy time to do so.

He was the twin that didn’t switch up. Nets fans shouldn’t on him either no matter where he goes.