The Nets held onto Cam Johnson by means of the commerce deadline. Now he’ll be their solely consultant at All-Star weekend, when he takes half within the 3-point contest.
“Sean [Marks, general manager] pulled me aside the other day and said that they invited me to do it, so it’s an honor,” Johnson mentioned. “I watched the 3-point contest growing up and always imagined being out there, so it’ll be pretty cool. I’m excited.”
One wonders what Johnson thought when Marks went to take him apart, contemplating he’s been the topic of fixed commerce rumors nearly all season. However after getting previous Thursday’s deadline, now Johnson goes up towards the league’s high shooters Saturday at Chase Heart (8 p.m., TNT).
“It means a lot. It’s a skill set I pride myself on and something I take really seriously. So, yeah, it’s a big-time opportunity,” Johnson mentioned.
“You dream about this stuff all the time. Everybody dreams of playing in an All-Star Game. I’m not there, but I’ll be involved in the weekend to some extent. And I put a lot of effort into shooting and working on that and priding myself on that over a lot of years, so it feels good to be recognized. But I want to go win it.”
Brooklyn heads into Monday’s tilt vs. Charlotte having gained 4 of 5. That comes totally on the power of a protection led by Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe.
“This stretch, the last five games, we’re sixth defensively, and [Claxton] and Day’Ron were really, really good, and we need that level of energy, communication, intensity,” head coach Jordi Fernandez mentioned.
The Nets are second within the league in defensive ranking since Jan. 28 at 105.2.
“Just figuring it out, just figuring out my spots where I can get blocks,” Claxton mentioned. “Explosiveness coming back. It’s a different defense, so just figuring everything out, just taking pride on the defensive side of the ball.”
With Ben Simmons purchased out, the Nets haven’t any confirmed backup level guard behind D’Angelo Russell. They used 6-foot-9, 240-pound Trendon Watford there in Friday’s win, and he had 12 factors and 4 boards and was a game-high plus-19 in 22 minutes backing up Russell.
“It feels good,” Watford mentioned. “Each game, been feeling better and better. Just finally feel good to get in the rhythm. See some shots go in and even miss some shots. Just being able to handle the ball, back up point with DLo out, and find my guys, man. Just help winning.”
The Nets now have an open roster spot and sufficient cap area so as to add a veteran minimal participant, per NetsDaily.
They may convert Tyrese Martin — who has been lively for 48 of their 52 video games and is approaching his two-way restrict of fifty — to an ordinary deal.
They may ink Killian Hayes, who’s taking part in properly within the G-League however is ineligible for a two-way. Or they might have a look at exterior choices.
