Cameron Johnson, born on March 3, 1996, has steadily established himself as a valuable and versatile player in the NBA. Known for his exceptional three-point shooting and improving all-around game, Johnson has become a key contributor for the Brooklyn Nets. His journey from a late lottery pick to a significant offensive threat showcases his dedication to development and his ability to thrive in different team environments.
Collegiate Journey: From Pittsburgh to North Carolina
Johnson’s college basketball career began at the University of Pittsburgh (2014-2017). After redshirting his freshman year, he became a consistent scorer for the Panthers. In his sophomore season, he averaged 11.9 points per game while shooting an impressive 41.5% from beyond the arc. However, persistent injuries, including a hip issue, limited his playing time in his redshirt junior year.
Seeking a fresh start and a chance to compete at a higher level, Johnson transferred to the University of North Carolina (2017-2019). After sitting out a season due to transfer rules, he flourished in his two seasons as a Tar Heel. As a redshirt junior, despite lingering knee issues, he averaged 12.4 points and 4.7 rebounds. His senior season was his most statistically successful, leading the team in scoring with 16.9 points per game while also averaging 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
Notably, he shot an outstanding 50.6% from the field and 45.7% from three-point range, earning First-Team All-ACC honors and consensus Second-Team All-American recognition. His shooting prowess led many to consider him one of the best shooters in the 2019 NBA Draft.
NBA Draft and Early Years with the Phoenix Suns
In the 2019 NBA Draft, Cameron Johnson was chosen by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the eleventh overall choice. However, on draft night, he was immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns along with Dario Šarić for Jarrett Culver. This move paired Johnson with a young, ascending Suns team.
During his time in Phoenix (2019-2023), Johnson carved out a significant role as a sharpshooting forward off the bench. His ability to space the floor and knock down crucial three-pointers quickly made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset for the team. He steadily improved his scoring output and overall efficiency each season.
In the 2021-22 season, he averaged 12.5 points while shooting a remarkable 42.5% from three, finishing third in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting. A highlight of his Suns tenure came on March 4, 2022, when he hit a career-high 38 points, including a game-winning buzzer-beating three-pointer against the New York Knicks.
To start the 2022-23 season, Johnson was named the starting power forward for the Suns. However, a meniscus tear in his right knee in November 2022 sidelined him for a significant period.
Trade to the Brooklyn Nets and Elevated Role
On February 9, 2023, in a blockbuster trade, the Phoenix Suns sent Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 first-round pick swap to the Brooklyn Nets in return for T.J. Warren and Kevin Durant. This trade marked a new chapter for Johnson, offering him a more prominent role on a rebuilding Nets team.
Since joining the Nets, Johnson has showcased his potential as a primary scorer. He quickly integrated into the team’s offense, demonstrating his scoring versatility beyond just three-point shooting. In the 2024-25 season, he has taken a significant leap, averaging a career-high 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting nearly 39% from beyond the arc.
His increased usage and responsibility have allowed him to display his ability to create his own shot and contribute in multiple facets of the game. On November 19, 2024, he had his best career game as a Net, scoring 34 points and hitting six three-pointers in a win against the Charlotte Hornets.
Recognizing his value, the Brooklyn Nets re-signed Johnson to a four-year, $94.5 million contract in the summer of 2023, solidifying his place as a key foundational piece for their future.
FAQs
What is Travis Rudolph’s current status in professional football?
As of late April 2025, Travis Rudolph’s professional football career has seen him play in multiple leagues. He was in the NFL with the New York Giants (2017) and was on the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad (2018). He later signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2020 but was released in 2021 following his arrest. In 2024, he signed with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL, but the team folded after the XFL-USFL merger. He then signed with the Edmonton Elks of the CFL in May 2024 but was released in June 2024.
What were Travis Rudolph’s key statistics during his college football career at Florida State?
During his time at Florida State (2014-2016), Travis Rudolph was a prominent receiver. In 39 games, he recorded 153 receptions for 2,311 yards and 18 touchdowns. His sophomore season (2015) saw him lead the team with 59 receptions for 916 yards and seven touchdowns. He had another strong year as a junior in 2016 with 56 catches for 840 yards and seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-ACC honors in both 2015 and 2016.
What was Travis Rudolph’s NFL career like and what were his statistics?
Travis Rudolph signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent after the 2017 NFL Draft. He played in 7 games for the Giants in 2017, starting one, and recorded 8 receptions for 101 receiving yards and no touchdowns. He was waived by the Giants in 2018 and signed to the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad but suffered a torn ACL, ending his time there. He did not record any regular season statistics with the Dolphins.
What legal issues did Travis Rudolph face and what was the outcome?
In April 2021, Travis Rudolph was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder following a shooting. He claimed self-defense. His trial began in late May 2023, and on June 7, 2023, a jury unanimously found Travis Rudolph not guilty on all charges.
What was Travis Rudolph’s involvement in the 2023 murder trial and what did he testify?
Travis Rudolph was the defendant in the 2023 murder trial. He testified that he acted in self-defense when he fired 39 shots, resulting in the death of one man and injury to another. Rudolph stated that the four men came to his house around midnight on April 7, 2021, with the intention to harm or kill him, allegedly prompted by his ex-girlfriend. Text messages presented during the trial supported the claim that threats had been made against Rudolph’s home. The jury ultimately acquitted him of all charges, accepting his self-defense argument.
In summary
Cam Johnson has proven to be a valuable asset in the NBA, evolving from a highly-regarded shooter to a more complete offensive player. His journey through college and his early NBA years in Phoenix showcased his potential, but his move to the Brooklyn Nets has provided him with the opportunity to flourish in a leading role.
With his impressive scoring ability, particularly his three-point shooting, and his steadily improving all-around game, Johnson has become a key player for the Nets’ future. As he continues to develop and gain experience as a primary option, Cam Johnson has the potential to become an even more impactful player in the league, solidifying his status as a rising star in Brooklyn.
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