The Brooklyn Nets have a seemingly endless supply of young talent on their roster as they enter the 2024-25 NBA season. Brooklyn has not been afraid to take chances on former lottery picks in hopes of seeing growth. Former Los Angeles Clippers pick Keon Johnson is no exception to that rule.
Keon Johnson was a standout freshman with the Tennessee basketball program during the 2020-21 season. He averaged 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game and earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman First Team. After declaring for the NBA Draft, Johnson was selected by the Clippers with the team's 21st overall pick in 2021.
Johnson spent most of his rookie year in the G League, averaging 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on a 35.3 percent three-point shooting clip. He then joined the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021-22, where he received an expanded role. Johnson averaged a career-high 9.7 points and 1.0 steals in 22 appearances with the Blazers. He played 40 games in 2022-23 before starting his journey with the Nets in 2023-24.
Johnson appeared in five games for Brooklyn, averaging 6.2 points on a career-high 40.0 percent from range. Of course, his other time was spent with the team's Long Island G League affiliate, where he averaged an earnest 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. Johnson later impressed the Nets during the 2024 NBA Summer League, setting him up for notable improvement in 2024-25.
Why Keon Johnson could have a noteworthy year
Johnson's success has mostly come in the G League, but he did enough during 2024's Summer League for the Nets to resign him to a multi-year contract. In five games, Johnson averaged 16.0 points, 5.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. His two-way potential is enticing, and with Brooklyn prioritizing the development of its young players, he should get an increased role with the team during the 2024-25 season.
Johnson's player archetype is similar to other players on Brooklyn's roster, more specifically, like Ziaire Williams. Both players are athletic with strong defensive ability, but both need to take strides in their three-point shooting. Johnson will have to prove himself early to get more minutes, but his past improvement is a sign that he will leap forward.
Brooklyn has faith that the glimpses Johnson has shown will materialize as the young guard continues his run with the team.