After Cameron Johnson voiced out his frustration to Nikola Jokic a week ago, the Denver Nuggets leader has shown encouragement after two preseason games, reminding him that he is a major part of the team’s offense.
The Nuggets fell short against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first preseason matchup, 126-116, while they bounced back in their second preseason game against the Toronto Raptors with a score of 112-108.
In these two games, the Nuggets newcomer is still finding his rhythm with the new system, filling in for previous spots as expected to step up.
Johnson took only nine shots throughout the preseason, ending with 13 points in total.
“He’s like thinking too much and like he’s trying to fit in,” Jokic said. “I told him, ‘Don’t try to fit in. You’re a really important part of this offense. Be yourself.’ Don’t try to think, ‘Oh, should I do this, or should I do that?’
“Play your game and be aggressive in the moment or in the role you’re given,” the three-time MVP added.
Nuggets head tactician David Adelman noted that they were already working on him, especially since he belongs to the starting five, replacing Michael Porter Jr., not just in the roster, but also in his role.
The 29-year-old wing had tallied 18.8 points, 4.3 boards, and 3.4 assists, and shot 47.5% from the field last season during his Brooklyn stint.
