Phoenix Suns Dunk Contest AND 3-Point Contest Candidate: Cameron Johnson
Versatile, energizing, and ready to start at a moment’s notice, you really cannot say enough good things about swingman Cameron Johnson this season.
As it stands now, he leads Phoenix from beyond the arc, shooting a blistering 43.4 percent, which even has him on pace to challenge a franchise record. The third-year forward’s close range shooting remains just as good as his long range though, with him also embodying a highly athletic dunker.
Johnson might not want to stretch himself out that much during what is meant to be a rest period, but with those two attributes, he stands well equipped to partake in both the 3-Point and Dunk Contest.
When you break down Johnson as a dunker, you need to start with his ferocious slam during the NBA Finals last year. Taking off mid-way through the paint, he soared over P.J. Tucker and brought down the hammer, showing off his strength and gravity-defying capabilities.
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1414399811395080195?s=20
Johnson also threw down a mean one over current teammate JaVale McGee a year before that. Especially with McGee showing out for the team this year, Suns fans know better than anyone that posterizing him comes as no easy task.
https://twitter.com/NBACanada/status/1227240875102621696?s=20
But going back to his 3-point shooting, Johnson stacks up with the best. Across all NBA players averaging at least 5.7 attempts from deep per game, Johnson owns the third highest percentage, trailing only Luke Kennard and Joe Harris.
Kennard won the McDonald’s All American Game’s 3-Point contest as a high schooler, and Harris won at the NBA level just four years ago. By sticking with that company, he deserves a dual ticket for both events.