The Denver Nuggets made significant moves this offseason to boost their shooting, aiming to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder more effectively next season. After a second-round playoff loss to the eventual champions, the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson and signed Tim Hardaway Jr. from the Detroit Pistons to deepen their bench.
These additions reveal Denver’s clear strategy: to add more shooting to their roster. Tim Hardaway Jr. brings quick scoring off the bench, addressing the team’s previous struggles with bench production where they ranked 27th last season. Cameron Johnson, a 6-foot-8 forward known for his 3-and-D capabilities, is especially valuable, coming off a campaign with a 39% three-point shooting percentage, making him one of the league’s most efficient shooters.
Johnson and Hardaway Anticipate Impact Playing with Nikola Jokić
Both Cameron Johnson and Tim Hardaway Jr. are enthusiastic about joining forces with Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets’ star center celebrated as the NBA’s top offensive playmaker. Johnson praised Jokić’s multifaceted game and unique skills during an appearance on The Young Man and the Three podcast.
Honestly, a big part of [being excited to play with Jokić] is not having to play against him anymore,
Johnson said.
He’s a problem, that’s it, period. He can pass, rebound, score — you don’t know what you’re gonna get any given day, like what mode he’s in. It’s an uncanny ability. He has spatial awareness, just how he feels a game, how he understands the game, like he does it in a way different than anybody else in the league.
—Cameron Johnson, Forward
Johnson further elaborated on Jokić’s elite performance level and how it enhances teammates’ opportunities.
From a peer numbers perspective, you’re not really touching his output over the past couple of years, and it’s not accidental, like he’s just that good,
Johnson said.
So to be able to play off that, to be able to make those reads, like me and Tim [Hardaway Jr.] both will really enjoy playing off these high level players where we’re able to cut, find open spots, get up and down the court, make the right play, and it can just be simple. Knowing that everybody whose on the court, they’re going to make the right play, they’re going to make the right read. And I think that’s the kind of basketball that the front office is driving for and that’s really how they played for the most part. Since I’ve been in the league, and they’ve been really good at it.
—Cameron Johnson, Forward
Nuggets’ System Elevates Surrounding Players
Jokić’s talent extends beyond his individual production, as he consistently elevates the performance of those around him. Johnson noted how other teammates like Christian Braun, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon have flourished in Denver’s system, making the team a difficult opponent to defend.
It’s not even just [Jokić], like, you’ve seen Christian Braun step up and have a heck of a season last year,
Johnson said.
Jamal Murray is a super talented dude, and so is [Aaron Gordon]. It’s not an easy team to guard. It hasn’t been an easy team to guard over the past couple of years. Just being able to fit in that environment is going to be a lot of fun for us.
—Cameron Johnson, Forward
Increased Three-Point Attempts Expected with New Additions
Last season, the Nuggets ranked last in the league in three-point attempts but held a strong fifth place in three-point shooting percentage. The inclusion of Johnson and Hardaway is expected to significantly increase the number of attempts while maintaining high efficiency from beyond the arc.
With this revamped roster, Denver is poised to close the gap with the Oklahoma City Thunder as strong contenders for next season. Their improved shooting depth combined with Jokić’s unparalleled playmaking sets the stage for a highly competitive campaign ahead.