Former first-round pick Keon Johnson focused solely on maximizing his chance during the Summer League. After signing with the Brooklyn Nets on a two-way contract the previous season, Johnson spent most of his time in the G-League and played just 5 games with the NBA team. Dismissed by other teams, he returned to the Nets’ Summer League squad this offseason, aiming to impress and secure his future in the NBA.
His hard work paid off when the Nets offered him a multi-year deal. The contract features a partially guaranteed first year and a team option for the second year, allowing Brooklyn to further evaluate the 21st overall pick from the 2021 draft.
What does Keon Johnson bring to the table?
During Summer League, Johnson showcased versatility with averages of 16.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. His athleticism is the cornerstone of his game, enabling him to drive to the basket with explosive finishes and create scoring opportunities for teammates. Defensively, he excels as a tenacious on-ball defender.
However, Johnson has grappled with shooting inconsistency throughout his career. In 82 NBA games, he has shot just 36.3% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. Encouragingly, his G-League stint last season saw improved shooting percentages—47.8% from the field and 37.9% from three on 5.1 attempts per game. In Summer League, his shooting was more varied, hitting 45.1% from the field but only 25% from beyond the arc.
Although he isn’t a natural point guard, Johnson possesses ball-handling skills and demonstrates sound decision-making in driving or distributing the ball. His ability to run pick-and-roll plays was a pleasant surprise during Summer League.
Despite standing at 6-5 and 186 pounds, Johnson shows no hesitation crashing the boards and remains aggressive both offensively and defensively. If he can refine his shooting consistency and leverage his athleticism effectively, he could emerge as a valuable contributor for the Nets.
Johnson fills a key need on the depth chart
The Brooklyn Nets currently face a surplus of wing players amid trade rumors involving some veterans, but they are lacking depth at the guard position. Ben Simmons remains unreliable despite reported health, Cam Thomas shows promise but needs growth as a playmaker, Dennis Schroder offers stability as a lead guard, and Shake Milton, primarily a shooter, has struggled to secure consistent playing time recently. Keon Johnson now bolsters this group significantly, joining Thomas as a young prospect in the backcourt.
Johnson’s ability to effectively run an offense is particularly valuable for the Nets. Beyond just winning games, having skilled ball handlers who can execute offensive strategies and create opportunities for teammates is crucial for the development of other young players like Noah Clowney, Jalen Wilson, and the rest of the youthful frontcourt. This addition addresses a critical need for the Nets, enhancing their roster dynamics and potential for team growth moving forward.
The Nets are collecting 2021 first-round picks
The Brooklyn Nets have expanded their roster with two more 2021 draft picks in addition to Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe. Recently acquiring Ziaire Williams (#10 overall) and now Keon Johnson (#21 overall), general manager Sean Marks continues the successful “buy-low” strategy that characterized their previous rebuild.
Cam Thomas has already shown star potential, and the focus now shifts to seeing if any of the other three 2021 first-round picks—Williams, Johnson, or Sharpe—can develop into cornerstone players for the Nets’ future championship aspirations. This accumulation of young talent underscores the Nets’ commitment to building a sustainable contender through strategic draft acquisitions.
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