Cameron Johnson is quickly making a name for himself in the NBA. Known for his deadly shooting and versatility on the court, Johnson has become an essential player for his team. But how did he get here, and what makes him stand out? In this article, we’ll explore his journey, his key stats, and what’s next for this rising star.
Early Life and College Career
Cameron Johnson wasn’t always a highly ranked recruit. Born on March 3, 1996, in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, he started his college basketball career at the University of Pittsburgh. After two seasons, he transferred to the University of North Carolina (UNC), where his game took off.
At UNC, Johnson became a standout player. In his senior year, he averaged 16.9 points per game and shot an impressive 46.7% from three-point range. His performance helped lead the Tar Heels to the NCAA Tournament, and his stock soared heading into the 2019 NBA Draft.
NBA Draft and Early Career
In the 2019 NBA Draft, Johnson was selected 11th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves but was immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns. His transition to the NBA came with high expectations, especially for his shooting ability, which he had already mastered in college.
2019-2020: A Promising Rookie Year
During his rookie season, Johnson averaged 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, shooting 39.7% from three-point range. While his stats weren’t spectacular, his ability to stretch the floor and create space for his teammates was clear. Johnson helped the Suns during the NBA “Bubble” restart, contributing to an eight-game win streak, even though Phoenix missed the playoffs.
2020-2021: Stepping Up
The 2020-2021 season marked a major step forward for Johnson. He played in 69 games and averaged 9.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His shooting efficiency also improved: he shot 42.5% from three-point range and 85.1% from the free-throw line. His strong play helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals, where they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks. Johnson’s shooting was crucial throughout the playoffs, as he averaged 7.7 points per game.
2021-2022: Becoming More Versatile
In the 2021-2022 season, Johnson’s role grew even further. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His shooting remained a strength, as he posted 44.6% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. Johnson also became a more versatile player, improving his defense and earning more time in key moments alongside stars like Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
Cameron Johnson’s Stats Breakdown
As of 2024, here’s a breakdown of Cameron Johnson’s career averages:
Games Played: 250+
Minutes Per Game: 24.5
Points Per Game: 11.5
Rebounds Per Game: 4.2
Assists Per Game: 1.5
Three-Point Percentage: 40.1%
Free-Throw Percentage: 83.4%
2023-2024 Season Stats (Mid-Season)
Points: 14.3
Rebounds: 5.0
Assists: 1.7
Three-Point Percentage: 41.5%
Minutes Played: 29.0
In the 2023-2024 season, Johnson has seen a notable jump in his scoring and overall role. His efficiency has remained high, and he’s become a primary offensive weapon for the Suns.
Playoff Performances
Though Johnson hasn’t yet had a breakout postseason performance, he has been a reliable contributor during the playoffs:
2021 Playoffs: 7.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.0 APG
2022 Playoffs: 10.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.3 APG
His ability to knock down big shots in critical moments has helped Phoenix during their playoff runs, and Johnson continues to grow in the postseason spotlight.
Cameron Johnson’s Strengths
Elite Three-Point Shooter
Johnson’s most obvious strength is his shooting. He’s known for his smooth, quick release and ability to hit three-pointers from almost anywhere on the floor. With a career three-point percentage of 40.1%, Johnson is one of the NBA’s best shooters, often a key player in pick-and-pop situations.
Versatility and Smart Play
Johnson is more than just a shooter. He’s a solid defender and can guard multiple positions. His high basketball IQ allows him to read defenses, set effective screens, and make the right play in transition. This versatility has made him a valuable asset both as a starter and coming off the bench.
Clutch Moments
While not yet known as a “clutch” player in the traditional sense, Johnson has shown that he can step up in key moments. Whether hitting a crucial three or making the right pass, Johnson’s ability to perform under pressure is a growing part of his game.
Areas for Improvement
Defense
While Johnson is a good defender, his consistency can improve. He’s capable of guarding elite scorers, but his ability to handle faster, more athletic players on the perimeter is something to work on. With more experience, Johnson can become a more disruptive defender.
Playmaking
Although Johnson is a solid scorer and shooter, his playmaking skills are still developing. His assist numbers are relatively low, and improving his vision and court awareness would help him become more of a secondary creator.
What’s Next for Cameron Johnson?
Cameron Johnson’s potential is clear. As of 2024, he’s still evolving into a key player for the Suns, whether as a starter or a high-impact role player. His shooting, defense, and overall game make him an exciting player to watch. If he continues to develop his playmaking and defense, Johnson could become a star in the league.
Final Thoughts
Cameron Johnson has already proven himself as one of the most efficient shooters in the NBA. With improvements in defense and playmaking, he could rise to even greater heights. His journey from overlooked recruit to NBA standout is a testament to his hard work and dedication. As his game continues to grow, there’s no telling how far Johnson can go in his career. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching his next steps.
FAQs:-
What are Cameron Johnson’s career averages in the NBA?
As of the 2024-2025 season, Cameron Johnson has established himself as an important player in the NBA. His career averages (up to the start of the 2024 season) are as follows:
Points: 13.2 PPG
Rebounds: 4.2 RPG
Assists: 1.6 APG
Field Goal Percentage: 44.7%
3-Point Percentage: 40.3%
Free Throw Percentage: 84.1%
Cameron Johnson is particularly known for his three-point shooting and his efficiency from beyond the arc.
How many 3-pointers does Cameron Johnson average per game?
One of Cameron Johnson’s signature skills is his three-point shooting. As of the 2024-2025 season, he averages 2.2 three-pointers per game on a 40.3% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. His shooting ability makes him a dangerous perimeter threat for any team he plays on.
What is Cameron Johnson’s highest-scoring game in the NBA?
Cameron Johnson’s highest-scoring game came during the 2023-2024 season when he put up a career-high 38 points against the New York Knicks. In that game, he made 7 three-pointers and contributed significantly to his team’s victory.
How tall is Cameron Johnson?
Cameron Johnson stands at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters) tall. His height, combined with his athleticism and shooting ability, makes him a versatile forward capable of guarding multiple positions on the court.
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