Keon Johnson’s role on the Brooklyn Nets has definitely been on the rise lately, especially with starting guard Cam Thomas sidelined due to injury. But despite getting more minutes, Johnson knows nothing is set in stone.
Coach Jordi Fernandez made it clear that nothing is guaranteed when it comes to playing time, not even for Johnson or anyone else on the team. “Everyone has to earn their spot,” Fernandez said. “If you’re not in the rotation, you need to work hard to get back in. If you’re in the second unit, you have to push to make it to the first.”
Over the past seven games, Johnson has seen his average playing time jump to 26 minutes per game, a big increase from the 12.6 minutes he had been getting earlier in the season. But despite the extra playing time, Johnson stays focused on improving. “I’m just playing hard, especially on defense, and letting the game come to me,” he said. “Coach always encourages me to keep shooting, and I’m getting more comfortable with that.”
Meanwhile, injured Nets forward Ziaire Williams is making progress in his recovery from a sprained left knee. He’s been working out individually, but there’s still no set date for when he’ll return to the court. “I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I’m making good progress,” Williams said. “I’m trying to be patient and listen to the trainers, even though I want to jump back in right away.”
Lastly, big news from the broadcasting world: Frank DiGraci, an Emmy-winning producer, is leaving YES Network after this season. He’s heading to NBC Sports, where he’ll be the coordinating producer for their NBA coverage starting next season. The change was first reported by Front Office Sports and later confirmed by The Post. DiGraci will finish out the current season with YES before making the move.
