When Cam Johnson and Tim Hardaway Jr. found out they’d be suiting up for the Denver Nuggets this upcoming NBA season, the initial excitement was expected. After all, joining a perennial championship contender is a big deal. But once the realization hit that they’d be sharing the court with none other than three-time MVP Nikola Jokić—let’s just say their grins couldn’t be contained.
That reaction wasn’t just symbolic—it was genuine.
In a recent episode of The Young Man and the Three podcast, hosted by Tommy Alter, both Johnson and Hardaway sat down to chat about their new destination, their hopes, and most notably—the opportunity to play with the “Joker.” And just mentioning Jokić’s name was enough to light them up like two kids about to play pickup with their childhood idol.
“We haven’t even practiced with him yet,” Johnson said, “but you just know how good it’s going to be. You can feel it.”
🔥 Why This Move Could Unlock the Best Versions of Johnson and Hardaway
Let’s not overlook the fact: both Cam Johnson and Tim Hardaway Jr. are already proven NBA talents. Johnson has been that steady, high-IQ, lights-out wing every coach dreams of, with a knack for getting to his spots and nailing threes. Hardaway? A classic microwave scorer. The kind of player who can swing a game in five minutes if he catches fire.
But neither of them has ever played with a big like Jokić—and frankly, very few have.
Jokić isn’t just the best passing big man in NBA history. He might just be the best passer in the league—period. What he does with the basketball is the stuff of wizardry. His gravity warps defenses, his timing is telepathic, and his IQ is off the charts.
This is where guys like Johnson and Hardaway step in to reap the benefits.
🎯 The Magic Formula: Shooters + Jokić = Offensive Fireworks
If there's a textbook example of how to build around Jokić, it's this: surround him with capable shooters who know how to move, space the floor, and finish.
Simple, right?
Except, here’s the catch—Jokić makes it easier than ever. He doesn’t just reward shooters for moving well; he creates those windows for them. You may think you’re well covered at the arc, but Jokić sees a lane, hits you in stride, and boom—it’s a wide-open three.
So when Johnson and Hardaway lace 'em up this season, they’re likely about to play the most effortless basketball of their professional careers. No need to create their own shot every time. No need to grind in isolation. Just read the floor, find the space, and trust that Jokić will find them.
“You just cut, move, be ready. He’s gonna find you,” Hardaway said on the podcast. “It’s almost like playing a video game with the sliders turned all the way up.”
🧠 Let’s Talk Basketball IQ
One thing that often gets overlooked in conversations about Jokić’s greatness is the mental aspect. He doesn’t just react to what’s in front of him—he predicts it. And that’s huge for players like Johnson and Hardaway, who both possess solid basketball IQs themselves.
Johnson, in particular, thrives in systems that value motion, spacing, and read-and-react principles. That’s essentially Denver’s offensive DNA. And it’s powered by Jokić at the center—literally and figuratively.
Expect Johnson to see a jump in efficiency. Spot-up looks will come in rhythm. Backdoor cuts will suddenly become highlight reels. And that midrange game? It’s about to become even more dangerous when defenses have to choose between stepping up or staying back.
Hardaway, meanwhile, is entering a situation where he can truly focus on what he does best—scoring. Without the burden of initiating offense or creating through double teams, he can play free, loose, and aggressive.
🏆 Bigger Than Stats — It’s About Winning
Here’s the real kicker: this isn’t just about personal stats or breakout years. This is about competing for titles.
That’s the Jokić effect.
When you’re on a team led by a superstar who is as unselfish, efficient, and dominant as Jokić, the culture shifts. It’s about us—not me. It’s about making the right play, not just the flashy one. And Johnson and Hardaway seem genuinely ready for that transition.
“He elevates everybody,” said Johnson. “You don’t come to Denver just to get buckets—you come to win.”
That’s the tone this team is setting heading into the season. The Nuggets aren’t just trying to repeat or make a run—they’re setting the stage for a multi-year dynasty.
🔮 So, What Should We Expect?
Don’t be surprised if Johnson and Hardaway both average career-best shooting percentages this year. With Jokić operating like a quarterback, dishing to wings in stride, their job gets significantly easier. The looks they’ll be getting? Wide open. The rhythm? Flawless.
And while both players are new to Denver, they’ll find themselves fitting into this ecosystem almost instantly. It’s not a question of if they’ll succeed alongside Jokić—it’s how much.
What’s scary for the rest of the league is that these two additions aren’t even meant to carry the load—they’re complementary. Meaning the core of Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. stays intact, while Johnson and Hardaway bring added firepower from the perimeter.
In short: the Nuggets got deeper. Smarter. And maybe even better than before.
💡 Key Takeaways:
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Jokić elevates shooters — Johnson and Hardaway are perfect complementary pieces.
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Spacing becomes lethal — Defenses can’t double Jokić without leaving knockdown shooters wide open.
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High-IQ basketball thrives — Johnson’s sharp mind and Hardaway’s scoring instincts blend beautifully into Denver’s motion-heavy offense.
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This is about rings — Both players are ready to embrace team-first roles for a shot at a championship.
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