The Denver Nuggets have built their championship identity around Nikola Jokić’s brilliance, Jamal Murray’s scoring bursts, and Michael Porter Jr.’s shooting. Now, with the addition of Cam Johnson, they may have uncovered a new layer to their offense. The impact of Cam Johnson playmaking could be the missing element that balances spacing, movement, and versatility for Denver’s system.
Johnson has long been known for his elite three-point shooting, stretching defenses and punishing closeouts. But in recent seasons, his playmaking growth has stood out. With Brooklyn and Phoenix, Johnson displayed an improved ability to attack off the dribble, read help defenders, and create open looks for teammates. That same skillset could thrive in Denver, where he will benefit from the attention Jokić commands on every possession.
When Jokić operates from the high post, cutters and shooters usually dictate the floor balance. Adding Johnson to that mix creates new possibilities. His improved passing vision allows him to swing the ball quickly around the perimeter or make the extra pass to corner shooters. This kind of secondary creation will prevent Denver’s offense from stalling when Jokić faces double-teams. In other words, Cam Johnson playmaking provides insurance when defenses overload against Denver’s MVP.
Equally important, Johnson’s willingness to put the ball on the floor adds another wrinkle. Too often, the Nuggets have relied heavily on Murray as the only non-Jokić creator. Johnson can relieve some of that burden, especially in second-unit minutes. His ability to handle the ball in pick-and-roll or drive-and-kick situations keeps Denver’s attack versatile and unpredictable.
The Nuggets don’t necessarily need Johnson to become a full-time facilitator, but his incremental improvements could be decisive. In a Western Conference stacked with defensive juggernauts like Minnesota and Oklahoma City, every extra offensive advantage matters. If Johnson continues to expand his playmaking role while maintaining his reputation as a lethal shooter, Denver’s offense could reach another level.
