Phoenix Suns: 3 Training Camp Decisions Could Have Seismic Impacts

Phoenix Suns Camp Decisions: Does Cameron Johnson Run with the Starters?

Mikal Bridges secured Phoenix’s starting small forward spot last year with some stellar defense and timely scoring as a long range threat. At the other forward spot, Jae Crowder also proved himself valuable as a necessary piece by stretching the floor and operating as an on-court defensive coach.

However, Cameron Johnson last year showed too much promise to ignore his starting capabilities during this year’s training camp.

Johnson especially shined during last postseason, averaging 8.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, while leading his team from an efficiency standpoint with his true shooting at 69.3 percent. Johnson also seemed to always make the right play every time he took the floor, clutching up both offensively and defensively.

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Until either Bridges or Crowder do anything that warrants their removal from the starting lineup, Johnson stays cuffed to a role off the bench. But again due to Johnson’s starting-worthy play, the slightest decrease in production from either Bridges or Crowder might force a swap, and indeed put Johnson as a starter.

So with such a flimsy barrier standing between Johnson and a starting spot, choosing to work him out with other starters to establish some chemistry during camp might prove fruitful if either Bridges or Crowder indeed struggle out the gates for whatever reason.

Just a few extra sequences at during practice with Johnson replacing Crowder or Bridges fully stretches him out as a safety net for the team, naturally setting the team up for increased success as the season progresses.