Tim Legler thinks there is one Denver Nuggets acquisition who is an absolute game-changer in their title race against the OKC Thunder.
The Denver Nuggets made it a priority to figure out their roster this offseason. After a crushing seven-game series against the eventual champs OKC Thunder, the Nuggets went back to the drawing board.
The Nuggets went ahead and made some big moves in free agency, landing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., but they didn’t just stop there.
The Nuggets also made two important trades, bringing Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas to their team to provide depth and defense.
And one of these new arrivals is a true game changer, in Tim Legler’s eyes, as he thinks they can help close the gap between the Nuggets and the Thunder’s rosters.
Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver PostTim Legler says Cam Johnson can be a key contributor to Denver Nuggets
Tim Legler spoke on the All-NBA podcast about the Denver Nuggets. Out of all the signings and trades the Denver Nuggets made, Cam Johnson is the one star who caught Legler’s eye.
He believes Johnson is an upgrade on both ends to Michael Porter Jr., whom he was traded for. If he can capitalize on the looks Nikola Jokic gets him, Johnson can help close the gap between the Nuggets and the Thunder.
“Look, Michael Porter Jr. was a guy who was capable on any given night of having similar nights to Cam Johnson’s best nights. But they were all over the place, more inconsistent.
“And certainly, the defense is going to be better with Cam Johnson. I think Cam Johnson is going to get better shots than he’s ever had in his career.
“Now, I want to see what this guy is capable of playing with Jokic. When he’s getting cleaner looks, there’s no telling what kind of year Cam Johnson is about to have.
“For me, how do you shrink the deficit with OKC? They went out and they added depth…. Cam Johnson, to me, could be that guy, where we’re just like, every night, going, ‘my goodness, I cannot believe they ended up getting this guy.
“That’s how good he has been for the Denver Nuggets.’ If that happens, they’ve shrunk the gap with OKC, and that’s why I said all along – Denver has reloaded and they’ve rebooted, man. They’re back in the mix as a title contender.
“When he’s getting cleaner looks, there’s no telling what type of year Cam Johnson is about to have.” – @LegsESPN 📈
“Certainly the defense is going to be better.”
Tim Legler on the Nuggets closing the gap with OKC with the MPJ-Cam Johnson trade ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/OGgKcw5UUQ
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Cam Johnson already adjusting well to Denver Nuggets culture
There is no denying that Cam Johnson is in a great position to succeed. Johnson has never played with a passer as good as Nikola Jokic, outside of Chris Paul, maybe.
But even when playing with Paul, Johnson wasn’t the starting-caliber player that he is now. And Jokic can help get him the best looks possible next season.
Johnson has already impressed Nuggets players and staff during their recent training sessions. If he translates that onto the court, then the Nuggets could be unstoppable.
One star thinks the Nuggets have the best starting five in the NBA with Johnson replacing Porter Jr. But until they prove they can topple the mighty Thunder squad, those claims will go unheard.