Nets forward Chaney Johnson dropped some absolutely wild numbers in Summer League, making everyone wonder how long he will be stuck on a two-way deal. This dude, who’s been with Brooklyn since last season and even saw some NBA minutes for their rebuilding squad, totally used this summer to show everyone just how hard he’s willing to grind. If you weren’t watching, you missed a show from a player with a seriously hungry mindset.
Chaney’s Summer League Statement
Let me tell you, Johnson came out swinging in those six games between the California Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League. This is a 24-year-old who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft after a solid college run from Alabama-Huntsville to Auburn. What he did this summer screams “steal” for the Nets: he averaged an incredible 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. Seriously, 2.5 steals! But wait, there’s more. He shot a scorching 66.7% from the field and a ridiculous 50.0% from behind the three-point line. Those are not just good numbers; those are “pay this man” numbers, especially for a guy on a two-way deal. He wasn’t even out there trying to prove anything, he just wanted to “go out there have fun.” That’s the kind of chill confidence that translates to big plays when it matters.
The Grind for a Standard Deal
Right now, Johnson is on a two-way contract, meaning he’s splitting time between the big club and their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. He’s likely going to spend most of next season down there, but after that Summer League display? The path to a standard NBA contract is getting shorter by the minute. He’s bought into the Nets’ vision, saying he’s “just continuing to trust the process” and “here to do my job and have fun while doing it.” You gotta respect that. He also knows the deal: “If they (the coaching staff) see you being a certain type of player and you try your best to be that type of player they see you as, payment is going to come.” That’s the mindset of a pro, and with those summer league stats, you bet the coaching staff is seeing *something* special.
This is a rebuilding team, and they are looking towards the future. Johnson is doing everything right to be a part of it. If he keeps showing this kind of relentless work ethic, those NBA minutes will come, and a full-time contract won’t be far behind. Keep an eye on this guy because his dedication and those crazy numbers are setting him up for a big season, no matter what uniform he’s wearing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply