The end of the NBA season has finally arrived, and with it comes the return of their former MVP. Cameron Johnson is back in Phoenix to fulfill his destiny as a champion alongside Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. It’s unclear how long they can hold up against Denver, but one thing is certain: this team will be tough!
Cameron Johnson’s Imminent Return Gives the Suns Their Final Championship Ingredient. Cameron Johnson is set to return from injury soon and could be a key player for the Phoenix Suns in their quest for a championship.
The Phoenix Suns are on a roll as they prepare for the NBA Playoffs in 2022. Since All-Star Weekend, they’ve gone 13-4, with Devin Booker earning MVP consideration and Chris Paul returning from injury. Phoenix, as good as they’ve been, is about to become much better, owing to the impending return of their most underappreciated player.
Cameron Johnson, a third-year forward, provided the Suns with scoring and two-way ability off the bench. His excellent shooting made him an ideal fit in any lineup, and his defensive improvements made him even more versatile as a switchable wing capable of guarding several positions.
Johnson has been out of the previous 12 games for the Suns due to a quad injury. However, he is on the verge of returning, and the Suns are on their way to being totally healthy in time for the playoffs. In May and June, they are unquestionably the squad to beat.
Cameron Johnson is close to recovering from his injury.
Cam Johnson (quad) working his way back, but is out for Sunday’s game vs. #Sixers as is JaVale McGee with a non-COVID illness.
Iffe Lundberg is in Phoenix, but has yet to join the team. Dario Saric (knee) and Frank Kaminsky (knee) are also out. #Suns pic.twitter.com/DSbhV0KscT
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 27, 2022
Johnson paid the price in a March 4 victory against the New York Knicks, scoring a career-high 38 points.
The Suns wing suffered a knee to the leg from Knicks big Mitchell Robinson on that unforgettable night. Despite playing despite the injury, Johnson was forced to retire due to a bone contusion. He’s been there ever since, but he’s making improvement.
Johnson performed “everything” in the team’s Saturday practice, according to head coach Monty Williams. Williams went on to say that the former North Carolina star is really ahead of plan in terms of fitness.
According to the Arizona Republic, “[Johnson’s] conditioning wasn’t horrible.” “I expected him to be poor in that area, but he’s still in the process of improving.”
Williams warned against predicting Johnson’s availability this week, saying he still has to work on 5-on-5 drills in practice. The 26-year-old, though, seems to be on his way back before the conclusion of the regular season.
That’s fantastic news for the Suns, who might benefit from Johnson’s 3-and-D abilities and bench depth.
Johnson improves the Suns on both ends of the court.
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With Cameron Johnson (+0.4 on-off margin) on the court, the Suns are a somewhat superior club. Surprisingly, this is especially noticeable on the defensive end.
With Johnson on the court, Phoenix allowed 106.5 points per 100 possessions. The Suns surrender an extra 2.2 points per 100 possessions when he sits. Johnson had been a below-average defender in his first two seasons, which is noteworthy. Johnson’s defensive box plus-minus (DBMP) statistics were negative throughout his first two NBA seasons. However, in 60 games this season, he has a career-high 0.8 DBPM. Outstanding? No. Important? Yes.
To compliment defensive ace Mikal Bridges, the Suns needed 3-and-D players. It had that need even while Johnson was healthy, which explains in part why Torrey Craig was acquired at the trade deadline. With Johnson’s return, Williams now has even more options in terms of rotations and guardability.
On the offensive end, the sharpshooting forward is the perfect complement to mid-range wizards Chris Paul and Devin Booker, as well as cutting guards like Cameron Payne. This season, he is hitting an NBA-best 44.8 percent from three-point range and is a dangerous catch-and-shoot player who anticipates space and comes off pin-downs. Johnson has the confidence to attack closeouts off the dribble and can either score near the basket or assist start ball movement, despite not hitting many pull-up jumpers.
Johnson brings shooting, defense, and length to the table. Most significantly, his return will restore the Suns’ sense of completeness. This is a huge change.
Just in time for the NBA Playoffs, Phoenix is coming back to full strength.
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For the NBA Playoffs, being healthy is critical. As the regular season draws to a conclusion, the Suns must be feeling even better about their championship prospects.
Since returning to the rotation on March 24, Chris Paul has looked like his old self. Cameron Payne has settled back into a reserve position after impressively filling CP3’s shoes and providing the Suns with a playmaking boost in his absence. The Suns have basically everyone available as they prepare to defend their Western Conference title, with Cameron Johnson set to return soon.
For any club, facing a healthy and confident Phoenix group is a difficult assignment. Johnson’s contributions to the Suns might be the missing piece in their championship puzzle.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
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The Phoenix Suns are in a unique position this season. They have their final championship ingredient on the roster, and they’re just waiting for him to return. Cameron Johnson is set to make his return from injury tonight against the Lakers. Reference: phoenix suns injury report.
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