On paper, it might seem like the Denver Nuggets got practically the same player for less money by trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, but the truth is that the stats don’t tell the whole story.
Yes, the numbers are strikingly similar – Johnson averaged 18.2 points last season with the Brooklyn Nets, and Porter Jr. averaged 18.2 points with the Nuggets. Porter Jr. had a usage rate of 20.3 percent, and Johnson had 22.9. Johnson’s offensive rating of 122.4 was slightly higher than Porter Jr.’s 122.0, while Johnson’s defensive rating of 117.2 was almost identical to Porter Jr.’s 177.7.
Advertisement
Jokic and Johnson are a perfect fit
One thing is sure, the Nuggets lost their chemistry that had been building over the past seasons. MPJ and Nikola Jokic were there from the start, along with Jamal Murray, as they went through countless playoff battles together, while Johnson will still need to develop that chemistry.
“I’m starting to see how he processes the game,” Cam said for the DNVR Nuggets. “He fired a pass to me in the corner, kind of caught me off guard a little bit, this is what you have to get used to. I think CB [Christian Braun] is a great example. I’m watching him operate at practice and like he just knows where he’s supposed to be.”
Advertisement
Johnson showed he can play winning basketball
Jokic is the type of player who certainly won’t need much time to develop chemistry with Johnson, whose skill set as an elite perimeter shooter perfectly complements the Serbian center, allowing him to operate at his maximum. It may not be immediately apparent on the court, but Johnson has already demonstrated that he can play winning basketball.
He was one of the key pieces in the Phoenix Suns system when they reached the NBA Finals in 2021, so he brings values that fit the culture Denver has built under the leadership of the three-time MVP. All of this gives Denver fans reason to be optimistic that Johnson will quickly adapt to David Adelman’s system. Murray is among those who are confident about Johnson as he highlighted what the Nuggets can expect of him.
Advertisement
“I mean, he’s all around. He can do a little bit of everything. He can shoot, he can dribble better than I thought he could, gets to the rim, defends, and on top of that he’s a great guy. He’s willing to learn and he loves the game,” Murray pointed out.
“I think he’ll fit really fine. I think he’ll be our leading scorer a lot of nights, just benefiting from the movement we all had and cutting and expecting the passes we are gonna throw. So I think it’s going to be a great system and role for him and gives us a great chance to win,” he added.
If Cam fits in soon, Denver will definitely be a contender
Although Johnson is better with the ball than Porter Jr. and has slightly better court vision, none of that matters if he doesn’t fit into the system as well as Porter Jr., who was one of the key pieces in the team’s first-ever championship.
Advertisement
MPJ accepted the role of an off-ball player, someone who can spend several possessions in the corner without touching the ball, but also someone who can single-handedly shift momentum in just a few plays when he catches fire, especially from the 3-point line.
These are very tough nights for players who know they can score but are far from the team’s leading stars. If Cam manages to find that balance and mentally commit to his role, the Nuggets could quickly develop the chemistry that characterized their championship season.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.