Rookie Cam Johnson Battles to Find Groove with Denver Nuggets

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, Cam Johnson, the Denver Nuggets' new starting forward, is facing a challenging adjustment period. Just last month, the Nuggets traded for the 29-year-old Johnson, believing his elite shooting and court savvy would elevate their offense. However, Johnson is finding it difficult to seamlessly blend in with his new teammates.

Johnson admits he is not yet comfortable with the Nuggets' system, unsure of where his teammates like to receive passes or how to best accentuate their already well-oiled offense. This has led to frustration, as Johnson struggles to play with the same free-flowing style he displayed last season with the Phoenix Suns, when he averaged 18.8 points and shot 39% from 3-point range.

Fortunately, Johnson has a strong support system to guide him through this transition. His father, Gil, calls him multiple times a day, providing the wisdom and comfort that Johnson's late grandmother, Mama Helen, instilled in their family. Mama Helen's lessons on resilience, hard work, and faith have become a mantra for Johnson, who recites Psalm 23 before every game as a reminder.

As Johnson continues to unpack both his physical belongings and his role with the Nuggets, he is confident that, with time and patience, he will find his groove and become a valuable contributor to the team's championship aspirations.