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Will Cam Go Pro This Year?

What Would Jesus Do?

What Would Jesus Do?

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Cam has played 6 games. He has worked his way from 17 mpg to 32 mpg.

He's looking good but still not 100%. At least I assume he's not 100% because he needs to be quicker. So I hope he will get quicker as he approaches 100%.

In the last game his 3-pt shooting deserted him but he showed good driving, a nose for rebounds, and some nice passing on the way to 5 assists.

I didn't see him enough to know last year, but my sense is he's showing more versatility for us than he did at Pitt. He doesn't move as well without the ball as Justin, but he moves more without the ball than I saw when we played Pitt.

All of which is to say that he could well work his way into the draft. But he needs to show good improvement and consistency, with no injury relapses, if he's going to get there. He has 18 games - give or take - to prove himself.

I think he'll get better. But will he get good enough, for enough games, that the NBA will want him this year?

What's your take?
 
I won't rule him out as an NBA player. He might have what it takes. I just think he needs to show more and may not be able to do it this year because of injury and adjustments.

It's also possible that he will never play in the NBA. In which case should he bolt for Europe or use his last year of eligibility?

Even though he looks good enough to us to play abroad, there's no guarantee anyone will want him without another year of play under his belt.
 
This, along with the Luke Maye thread, is just us evaluating our players much higher than an unbiased NBA scout would.

It's fine, all fan bases do it, but Cam isn't on any draft boards that I've seen out there.
 
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He’s a 6’8” 2 guard who has the size to play the 3 who has a good shooting stroke. He’s only 6 games back from injury and he's showing more diversity in his game than when he was at Pitt. I’m not saying it’s a sure thing, but if he doesn’t get drafted this year or next year he’ll at least get a chance to prove himself in the summer league.
 
WhitePhantoms said:
He’s a 6’8” 2 guard who has the size to play the 3 who has a good shooting stroke. He’s only 6 games back from injury and he's showing more diversity in his game than when he was at Pitt. I’m not saying it’s a sure thing, but if he doesn’t get drafted this year or next year he’ll at least get a chance to prove himself in the summer league.
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Another common thing when message boards evaluate players...they only focus on offense.

Ok, you say he's a 2 guard. Is he guarding Klay, Beal, Derozen, McCollum, Booker, etc.

I like Cam, Luke, et all...but you gotta admit it's kinda ridiculous that every year people on here think we have like 7 NBA players on the roster.
 
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dadika13 said:
Another common thing when message boards evaluate players...they only focus on offense.

Ok, you say he's a 2 guard. Is he guarding Klay, Beal, Derozen, McCollum, Booker, etc.

I like Cam, Luke, et all...but you gotta admit it's kinda ridiculous that every year people on here think we have like 7 NBA players on the roster.
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Defense is the only reason Reggie Bullock has stayed in the league. He is just now starting to score the ball consistently the last 2 months.

So I agree, I noticed defense is rarely talked about in this board when evaluating. However, most don’t watched the NBA so I’m not surprised.
 
trestyles said:
Defense is the only reason Reggie Bullock has stayed in the league. He is just now starting to score the ball consistently the last 2 months.

So I agree, I noticed defense is rarely talked about in this board when evaluating. However, most don’t watched the NBA so I’m not surprised.
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Yup.

I actually like Kenny's chances over Cam's because of that. 6'4'' shooter that plays tough perimeter defense. I wouldn't bet on it, but I give him more of a long shot than Cam.
 
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dadika13 said:
Yup.

I actually like Kenny's chances over Cam's because of that. 6'4'' shooter that plays tough perimeter defense. I wouldn't bet on it, but I give him more of a long shot than Cam.
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I think Kenny will be drafted 2nd round. His game fits the NBA requirements on both sides of the ball.
 
dadika13 said:
Another common thing when message boards evaluate players...they only focus on offense.

Ok, you say he's a 2 guard. Is he guarding Klay, Beal, Derozen, McCollum, Booker, etc.

I like Cam, Luke, et all...but you gotta admit it's kinda ridiculous that every year people on here think we have like 7 NBA players on the roster.
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The lowest average ppg in the NBA 97 points. Offense is the most important part of the NBA. That’s why the rules are tailored made for teams to put up points. And you do realize you’re talking about the better players in the league right? Maybe i missed read my own post, but where did I declare he was a starter for a NBA team?

Another common thing when message boards evaluate players...they only focus on if that player being evaluated has “star potential”. They completely ignore the fact that there are guys on the bench who come in and contribute to the team as well. So instead of thinking of Cam as a 1-3 option on a team think of him more as a Iman Shumpert type player.

I even said he might not even get drafted, but he would definitely get a chance to play in the summer league. Even Nate got a chance in the summer league.
 
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The "NBA doesn't care about defense" meme is silly. NBA defenses are miles ahead of college defenses in terms of sophistication and precision. NBA players are just amazing on offense, and great offense beats great defense.

Shumpert averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.7 steals as a junior, registered a 42" vertical, and was drafted because of his defensive ability. Cam doesn't compare as a prospect.
 
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Cam fought hard to keep 2 years of eligibility. I keep hearing people say that he is gone next season. Where do people think he is going? Seriously? I must be missing something because he is not a lottery pick. Maybe if he can stay healthy for the next year and a half he could work and expand his game to play somewhere professionally. . But as of right now he is in the Very Best Situation for high level exposure, experience, practice, playing, working out and must importantly getting the coaching he needs. He is starting on the Defending National Championships Team. The very Elite of Blue Blood Programs. I Love the kid. I think he is articulate, very well spoken and a extremely gifted Basketball Player. However, I do not see where people believe he is not going to be on this Team next year.
 
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dadika13 said:
He fought harder to not have to sit out a season. Which makes sense if he's thinking about a pro career, as he would turn 23 middle of next season which is a grandpa in NBA circles.
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Sure. I understood that but being 23 to 24 in age he is not going to get better exposure then right here. I am sure that Roy would love to have a seasoned veteran like him for another year of eligibility. So Carolina is not pushing him out the door. Why is it’s fan base? Not saying you or anyone here is saying that. It is just what I keep hearing from UNC fans. Because he is 23? I just didn’t know if I had missed something that had been done or said besides these particular reasons.
 
Heels5150 said:
Sure. I understood that but being 23 to 24 in age he is not going to get better exposure then right here. I am sure that Roy would love to have a seasoned veteran like him for another year of eligibility. So Carolina is not pushing him out the door. Why is it’s fan base? Not saying you or anyone here is saying that. It is just what I keep hearing from UNC fans. Because he is 23? I just didn’t know if I had missed something that had been done or said besides these particular reasons.
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also I forgot to add what John Henson’s dad said years ago it’s not how fast you get to the NBA but how long you can stay in the NBA
 
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Heels5150 said:
Cam fought hard to keep 2 years of eligibility. I keep hearing people say that he is gone next season. Where do people think he is going? Seriously? I must be missing something because he is not a lottery pick. Maybe if he can stay healthy for the next year and a half he could work and expand his game to play somewhere professionally. . But as of right now he is in the Very Best Situation for high level exposure, experience, practice, playing, working out and must importantly getting the coaching he needs. He is starting on the Defending National Championships Team. The very Elite of Blue Blood Programs. I Love the kid. I think he is articulate, very well spoken and a extremely gifted Basketball Player. However, I do not see where people believe he is not going to be on this Team next year.
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That's basically what I was trying to bring out when I started this thread. He has a shot at the pros but I don't understand those who are sure he'll be gone after this year. Not impossible, but pretty unlikely, imo.

In other threads people are speculating about next year's starters and minutes. Good fun. But when they start with "Cam will be gone" that just diesn't seem realistic to me. Unfortunately, if you start with "Cam will still be here" then it's hard to get enough minutes for some of the guys we are pretty sure have the talent to command lots of minutes.

There are a few people who have said, with a tone that suggests they know something, that Cam only ever intended to be here 1 year. That may be true. But he probably didn't intend to get hurt, either. So even if that was true, is it still true?
 
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Heels5150 said:
also I forgot to add what John Henson’s dad said years ago it’s not how fast you get to the NBA but how long you can stay in the NBA
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Yes but Cam Johnson is not a 20-21 year old who has 1-2 years left to get his college degree, he has already graduated. If he is not going to play in the NBA after this season or next season, than an argument can be made that Johnson might want to maximize his earning potential by playing one more year professionally rather than return to school next season.
 
dadika13 said:
I'd bet every NBA coach (with the exception of Dantoni) would disagree with you.

And come on man, Shump is light years ahead of Cam.
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Defense only really matters come playoff time unless the top teams are playing. A Golden State, Cleveland, etc arent going all out on defense against a Sacramento or LA, etc and you know that. And yeah when you’re comparing them now. Shump is also already in his 8th year. Cam could very well be the same type of player if he was in his 8th year in the NBA.

And come on man. I’m not even acting like Cam is going to be drafted. Just that he’s going to be given a chance in the league to prove himself.
 
All depends on how much he loves being a Tar Heel. I could see it going either way. Hope he stays.
 
I hope he stays and I support him if he goes! I think he would be better off staying another year, but I am on the outside and know nothing of his plans or situation. I also think we are going to see him get better really fast as this season progresses so who knows by the end of the Tourney! He has the opportunity and, watching him, he clearly has the coachability/work ethic to maximize his game! I have already seen incredible defensive strides, more movement on O, and increased emphasis on rebounding...what is his ceiling/roof?
 
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WhitePhantoms said:
Defense only really matters come playoff time unless the top teams are playing. A Golden State, Cleveland, etc arent going all out on defense against a Sacramento or LA, etc and you know that. And yeah when you’re comparing them now. Shump is also already in his 8th year. Cam could very well be the same type of player if he was in his 8th year in the NBA.

And come on man. I’m not even acting like Cam is going to be drafted. Just that he’s going to be given a chance in the league to prove himself.
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They really arent comparable. Shumpert was lauded as a top knotch defender when he came out with great athleticism, Cam doesnt have either attribute.

I hope he stays, but if he wanted to start a pro career I think that'd be understandable too.
 
gunslingerdick said:
Cam will be back next year.
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On sports-related issues we tend to agree a lot. I’m going to disagree for a couple of reasons:

- age. He’s simply too old. No tangible benefit (outside of major injury to come back)

- injuries. He’s had a few. Why risk another one that could completely derail your career?

- he’s graduated and will have most of his graduate work done after this year.

- next season players. Berry gone. Little, Kenny, and White will all compete for his minutes.


Cam probably won’t get drafted but a team will sign him as a FA. He’s quicker than people give him credit for, is an excellent passer, plus shooter, and decent defender. At a true 6’8”, someone can use him off the bench for quality depth.
 
ticket2ride04 said:
On sports-related issues we tend to agree a lot. I’m going to disagree for a couple of reasons:

- age. He’s simply too old. No tangible benefit (outside of major injury to come back)

- injuries. He’s had a few. Why risk another one that could completely derail your career?

- he’s graduated and will have most of his graduate work done after this year.

- next season players. Berry gone. Little, Kenny, and White will all compete for his minutes.


Cam probably won’t get drafted but a team will sign him as a FA. He’s quicker than people give him credit for, is an excellent passer, plus shooter, and decent defender. At a true 6’8”, someone can use him off the bench for quality depth.
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Where will he be? The NBA? Europe? How do we even know Cam wants to play professionally? Maybe he has higher aspirations. And if that's the case, why not have fun playing in a program and polishing your leadership skills while finishing off a master's degree?
 
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gauchoheel said:
They really arent comparable. Shumpert was lauded as a top knotch defender when he came out with great athleticism, Cam doesnt have either attribute.

I hope he stays, but if he wanted to start a pro career I think that'd be understandable too.
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Add in the fact Shumpert can run PG duties in the NBA.
 
gunslingerdick said:
Where will he be? The NBA? Europe? How do we even know Cam wants to play professionally? Maybe he has higher aspirations. And if that's the case, why not have fun playing in a program and polishing your leadership skills while finishing off a master's degree?
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I think he can make a NBA team. If Roy does research and someone’s willing to take him, he goes. I’m not adamantly proclaiming he will go, but I see it.
 
gunslingerdick said:
How do we even know Cam wants to play professionally?
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Virtually every player with the ability to play professionally at a high level (i.e., not a small team in Lithuania) attempts to do so. So unless a player specifically says he doesn't want to, the safe bet is that he does.
 
smh, this discussion of what will Cam do, Cam himself does not yet know what his options will be and yet we have posters that do? The reasons if he goes are already set and strike me as really reaching. He isn't
good enough, he is Sumpert like, he is to old at 23, he already has a degree, can't defend so he is going to Europe now rather than wait? WoW, that is some reaching in my opinion.

I don't know what the kid's options will be after this season nor does Cam, he could blow up this season average 20+ in the post season and see his options change in a big way, point is we can't know until after the season. I do believe right now his best option will be to come back but that can all change depending how he finishes this season out.

Yes, injury is a risk if he did come back but risk is part of life, you risk every time you get in your car but you still drive. The risk reward for his decision is not set because we still do not know what his options will be. Just IMO...
 
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I think he'd be getting some terrible advice if he tried to go to the NBA after this season.
 
Overseas is the only likely destination for him right now, unless he gets some Bradley-esque draft advice this year when he declares.
 
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