NEW YORK– Brooklyn fillets Guard Keon Johnson has come a great distance since being in Brooklyn for the reason that begin of the 2023-24 NBA season. Johnson went from being one of many Nets’ two-way gamers final season to signing a multi-year contract earlier than this season, however he is nonetheless seeking to do extra.
“I would not essentially name it a solidified position. I am simply having fun with the second that I am in proper now,” Johnson mentioned after Wednesday’s apply. Johnson answered a query about his solidified position off the bench because the power guard that head coach Jordi Fernandez turns to when the workforce wants a spark on both facet of the ball.
“You don’t know what’s going to occur on any given night time, however each man from one to 12 must be prepared each time their quantity is named,” Johnson defined. “So I really feel like whether or not you are beginning or coming off the bench, it’s important to step up and make an affect ultimately.”
Johnson, 22is in his fourth 12 months within the NBA after being chosen twenty first total within the 2021 NBA Draft out of Tennessee by the New York Knicks earlier than being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Johnson started his rookie 12 months taking part in for the Clippers earlier than being traded to the Portland Path Blazers in February of that season.
Johnson was later waived by the Path Blazers lower than a 12 months after the workforce traded him, however he managed to meet up with the Nets early within the 2023-24 season, displaying he had what he wanted to realize minutes, however naturally we needed to look ahead to the precise scenario. Johnson has performed a significant position for the Nets this season as he averages 5.7 factors, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per recreation whereas taking pictures 34.8% from the sector and 30, 1% at three factors.
Johnson additionally understands what he brings to a Nets workforce in search of manufacturing throughout the roster, however he additionally would not need to turn into too complacent. “From what I’ve achieved effectively, I are available each night time and compete exhausting on the defensive finish, and I play actually exhausting on the defensive finish. Coach Jordi (Fernandez) says on a regular basis to maintain letting the ball fly, preserve taking pictures,” Johnson mentioned.
This text was initially printed on Nets Wire: Nets’ Keon Johnson discusses his new position as an lively bench guard
