Stunning Stat Reveals Cam Johnson’s Defensive Upgrade for Nuggets Is Being Overlooked
By Nathaniel | September 6, 2025
The Denver Nuggets made headlines this offseason by trading Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson—a move many analysts initially viewed as lateral. But a deeper dive into the numbers reveals a hidden gem: Johnson’s defensive impact may be the most underrated aspect of the deal.
From Defensive Liability to Stability
Last season, Michael Porter Jr. ranked in the 7th percentile in Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus (EPM)—a metric that evaluates a player’s overall defensive contribution. That placed him among the worst defenders in the entire NBA. In contrast, Cam Johnson, though not elite, landed in the 36th percentile—a significant upgrade from Porter’s performance.
While Johnson’s defensive numbers dipped during his stint with the Nets, context matters. He was often overburdened offensively and played for a struggling team. Now in Denver, surrounded by defensive stalwarts like Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, Johnson is expected to thrive in a more focused role.
Energy Redistribution = Defensive Revival
In Brooklyn, Johnson was a primary scoring option. In Denver, he’ll be a third or fourth option behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. This shift allows him to conserve energy and redirect it toward defense—a luxury he hasn’t had in years.
Championship Pedigree Meets Defensive Opportunity
Johnson isn’t new to high-stakes basketball. He reached the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns in 2021 and now joins a Nuggets team that won the title in 2023. With a winning culture and veteran leadership, Johnson is poised to rediscover his defensive edge.
The Bottom Line
No one’s predicting an All-Defense nod for Cam Johnson just yet. But the idea that he’s a defensive downgrade from Porter Jr. is simply false. The numbers—and the context—tell a different story. In a league where margins matter, Johnson’s defensive upgrade could be the quiet catalyst that keeps Denver in championship contention.
