The Brooklyn Nets have gone through a lot of changes ever since the 2023-24 NBA trade deadline passed just a few weeks ago. Not only has Brooklyn changed what the roster looks like and how the rotation plays out, but the team has also changed the routine of one of their higher-paid players.
Starting with the Nets’ 136-86 loss at the Boston Celtics on Feb. 14, Brooklyn forward Cam Johnson has been coming off the bench as interim head coach Kevin Ollie has been looking for way to turn this season around. As expected, this will be a change that will take some time for Johnson and the rest of the team to get used to as he has been a starter ever since he came to the franchise last season in the Kevin Durant trade.
What complicates matters a bit is that one of the unwritten rules within professional sports is that coaches tend to not bench players that are coming off of injuries, even if it is warranted. In Johnson’s case, he missed four games with a left adductor strain and in that span, the Nets won just one out of four games heading into the All-Star break.
It’s still too early to tell if Johnson coming off the bench is a good move, but the early returns aren’t good as Brooklyn has lost the past three games by a combined point differential of 93 points and Johnson is shooting just 19% from the field, including 18.8% from three-point land. Johnson spoke about his new role to the media before Saturday’s 101-86 loss at the Minnesota Timberwolves and he didn’t seem happy:
“It’s a work in progress. Like I said, just trying to figure it out what’s best for the team, what’s going to help us win. It’s just about finding that rhythm. We’re all very routined and I think the routine is important in a long season like we have. So, finding what works for you, finding how to manage your emotions, your energies going into the game is a little different from both sides. So, like I said guys, work in progress.”
Cam Johnson: Trying to figure out what's best for the team. pic.twitter.com/KyFY67licH
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 25, 2024
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