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Phoenix Suns: Grading every player’s 2019-20 season

By Jono Perilli

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Dario Saric #20 after scoring against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 28, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Dario Saric #20 after scoring against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 28, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Cameron Johnson

Ty Jerome didn’t really have a great Rookie season, but our friend Cameron Johnson can completely contrast that.

After the Suns made a questionable decision to trade down from the fourth pick, the Suns selected UNC product, Cam Johnson, with the 11th pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Johnson came in as one of the oldest rookies in the draft. At the time, the pick was a big reach, but Johnson proved himself quickly. Johnson was one of the best shooters in the draft class, and on the Suns’ roster, cementing his spot as a lingering starter/off-the-bench shooting threat. He was decent on the defensive end and was relied on heavily for the Suns.

Through 49 games, Johnson averaged 8.1 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 39.7 percent from 3-point land. He also averaged 20.3 minutes per game which points towards a reliable presence for the Phoenix Suns. They’re not 11th-pick numbers, and considering the Suns’ position prior to the trade, they could’ve picked a better prospect, but I say it was a fantastic pick for the future.

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Johnson’s best game of the season came when he scored 21 points and added four rebounds while nailing five threes. Johnson certainly became one of the best shooters on the roster, and it won’t be a surprise to see him in the squad’s future plans.

It’s not difficult to grade his 2019-20 season, with his impact on the team being great. Johnson is a player that doesn’t have a sky-high potential like the other rookies in the draft, but he has the highest floor out of anyone. Johnson’s spot in the roster hints towards more usage in the future, and it goes to show that the head office didn’t head into the 2019 NBA draft with the thought of drafting a superstar.

In terms of how the pick could’ve gone, this certainly wasn’t terrible. Johnson’s rookie season was simply good. Great job by the Suns head office for taking the risk, it comes down to next season to see if it panned out.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Suns develop Johnson as a player.

Grade: B

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