EMPIRE OF THE SUNS

Cam Johnson’s connection to Valley strengthens with 3-on-3 tournament

Jul 30, 2022, 8:14 PM

(Twitter photo/@KellanOlson)...

(Twitter photo/@KellanOlson)

(Twitter photo/@KellanOlson)

PHOENIX — Fourth-year Phoenix Suns wing Cam Johnson was only a few months into his rookie year during the 2019-20 season before the COVID-19 pandemic halted everything. Over nearly a two-year span, smaller events that allowed players to feel closer to the community were not taking place for everyone’s safety.

It’s 2022 now, though, so Johnson is finally able to do these things, as well as events on a much bigger scale. You might remember a silly bet with teammate Mikal Bridges turning into Johnson serving lemonade and cookies to hundreds of Suns fans in February.

This summer, Johnson had the second annual CJ23 Invitational 3-on-3 Tournament, a basketball occasion Johnson did in his native Pittsburgh last year before having the right time and place to bring it to Phoenix this offseason.

The two-day tournament, held at Phoenix’s Ability 360, has proceeds from team entry spectator fees going to Phoenix Suns Charities.

Johnson had a buddy from high school who ran a successful 3-on-3 tournament a few years in a row, and the inspiration brought on Johnson joining the cause and slapping his name on it.

Johnson, as you can see in the picture, is able to have loads of interactions with everyone. Johnson talked with that group of lads for at least 20 minutes between games, and that’s the type of stuff he couldn’t even think of doing a year or two ago.

As he noted, Johnson in his first two seasons was also really focused on figuring out the whole, you know, being a professional basketball player thing.

He confirmed Phoenix feels like his second home now.

“For sure,” Johnson said when asked if that was the case. “I love it here. I love living out here, especially in the season.”

Johnson, as anyone from a much colder climate would say, cited how great it is coming back from a road trip and taking his jacket off or not needing to scrape ice off his car.

The event had a handful of donors, including Flower Child, the restaurant that supplied the lemonade for the lemonade stand.

That’s just one small example of how those connections to the community can form and then strengthen from there.

For any fans who would want to spectate and pay the $5 that goes to Phoenix Suns Charities, the bracket play for the tournament begins on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Ability 360 in Phoenix.

Empire of the Suns

Frank Vogel, Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns...

Kevin Zimmerman

What does Frank Vogel’s hire tell us about how Suns build the roster?

Frank Vogel agreeing to become the Phoenix Suns' head coach gives us a North Star of sorts for how the team will begin constructing a roster.

21 hours ago

Head Coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers coaches against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena o...

Kellan Olson

Frank Vogel sets tone for Suns’ makeover, steps toward 1st title

Hiring Frank Vogel is a solid yet fairly predictable and uninspiring direction from the Suns. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing.

21 hours ago

General view of action between the Phoenix Mercury and the Chicago Sky during the second half of th...

Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns, Mercury partner with city to pursue future All-Star games

The Phoenix Suns and Mercury are working directly with the city of Phoenix and other parties in a pursuit of future All-Star games.

9 days ago

Nikola Jokic, Bam Adebayo...

Kevin Zimmerman

A guide to being compelled by the likely Nuggets-Heat NBA Finals

It can be factual that the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat will not draw as many viewers as would the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

9 days ago

Chris Paul...

Kellan Olson

Suns face complex avenues for potentially moving on from Chris Paul

The Phoenix Suns know what they want to get done this offseason with what will be some type of roster makeover.

11 days ago

Tyronn Lue, Clippers...

Kevin Zimmerman

Empire of the Suns: Who we like as a new Phoenix head coach

The pros and cons of the Monty Williams hire and who would fit best around him as the next Phoenix Suns head coach.

18 days ago

Cam Johnson’s connection to Valley strengthens with 3-on-3 tournament