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PHOENIX SUNS

Cam Johnson gets first NBA poster in first NBA start for Suns

Cam Johnson didn't take long to do his best impression of Kelly Oubre Jr. on Monday night, the player he was starting in place for the Suns.

Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, left, dunks as Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee defends...

Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, left, dunks as Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

It is still unclear if there is some “Freaky Friday” type of magic in the Staples Center when Cam Johnson started in place of Kelly Oubre Jr. on Monday night for the Suns, but we’re keeping an eye out for any more signs.

Johnson, not particularly known for any explosive athleticism or leaping ability, got by the Lakers’ Anthony Davis off the dribble and then elevated to challenge Los Angeles center JaVale McGee at the rim.

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To the surprise of just about everyone that knows the attributes of those two players, including McGee’s prowess for blocking shots, Johnson crammed it right on McGee’s noggin.

Johnson, 23, was drafted by the Suns out of North Carolina at No. 11 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. That was seen as a reach by many draft experts, mostly due to the expectation Johnson would struggle defensively and off the dribble with NBA athletes.

The rookie has been much better than expected in those two departments, as the dunk showed.

Johnson has averaged 7.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in 19.8 minutes a night for Phoenix. His shooting has lived up to the hype, where he’s shooting 38.4% from deep on 4.4 attempts per game.

Kellan Olson Suns reporter and co-host of Arizona Sports at Night

Kellan Olson is ArizonaSports.com's beat writer for the Phoenix Suns and a co-host of the Empire of the Suns podcast, as well as the intermittent night show Arizona Sports at Night. You'll also catch him covering other teams and frequently filling in… Read more

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