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The Brooklyn Nets sign guard Keon Johnson on a two-way deal

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Nets
By Peter Sunjic | Last updated 11/1/23

In a significant roster move, the Brooklyn Nets have welcomed the highly athletic guard Keon Johnson on board with a promising two-way deal. Known for his exceptional vertical leap and prowess in transition play, Johnson's addition aligns perfectly with the Nets' emphasis on speed and versatility.

Johnson's career path

Johnson was selected 21st overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2021 NBA Draft, as he came in as one of the most athletic players in the class. He registered the record for the highest vertical leap in NBA Draft Combine history at 48 inches.

He was then traded halfway into his rookie season to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he found his footing as one of the guards off Chauncey Billups’ bench. Unfortunately for Keon, he would suffer an injury every time he built up momentum. As a result, he became a trade asset in the Damian Lillard blockbuster deal, ultimately landing him with the Phoenix Suns before the team eventually waived him.

Keon joins an uber-athletic squad

As one of the most athletic players in the league, Keon is in the right place with the Nets. His game excels in transition, and he's poised to complement the dynamic plays of Ben Simmons and Dennis Smith Jr. that fans have witnessed in the early stages of the 2023/24 season.

Simmons himself has made sure to play with pace to help his teammates succeed during fast breaks and transitions. That is the vision with Keon, even if he’s only a prospect on a two-way contract.

“That’s gonna be a priority of mine, just get out on the run, push the ball, push the pace, and find my guy,” Simmons said after the Nets’ first win over the Hornets. “I think that’s the first part about our team; we’re gonna go out and run.”

Keon will reunite with Trail Blazers teammate Trendon Watford on the Nets roster. The big man has already reacted to the team’s new signing, and it looks like he’s excited to have Keon onboard with the team.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Nets and was syndicated with permission.

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