The Nets signed ahead Chaney Johnson to a two-way contract final Friday, filling the ultimate open slot on their roster and including a flexible wing who’s spent the previous yr grinding his means into the NBA image.
Johnson, 23, arrives after a powerful begin to the season with the Cleveland Cost, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, the place he averaged 12.8 factors, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks in 16 video games. Brooklyn had been the league’s lone staff with an open two-way spot, and Johnson’s current stretch of play made the choice easy.
What the Nets are getting isn’t simply manufacturing. They’re getting a participant formed by a protracted climb, somebody who’s discovered to impression video games with no need management of them.
At 6-7, Johnson matches the fashionable wing profile Brooklyn has prioritized: athletic, switchable and able to contributing on each ends. With the Cost, he scored in double figures 10 occasions, opened the G League Tip-Off Match with three consecutive 20-point performances and shot over 60% from the sector. He additionally confirmed flashes as a spot-up menace, changing 40% of his 3-point makes an attempt on restricted quantity whereas thriving in transition and on the defensive finish.
That mix of effectivity and exercise carried over to the G League Showcase in Orlando, the place Johnson delivered in entrance of decision-makers from all 30 NBA groups. Throughout two video games, he shot 9-of-10 from the ground and 2-of-2 from deep, pairing clear offense with the identical bodily protection and motor that had outlined his season. Not lengthy after, Brooklyn known as.
Johnson’s path so far hasn’t been direct. A standout at Thompson Excessive Faculty in Alabaster, Ala., he started his school profession at Division II Alabama Huntsville, the place he developed into a focus and earned Gulf South Convention Participant of the Yr honors. From there, he transferred to Auburn, buying and selling featured standing for a supporting position on a nationwide contender.
At Auburn, Johnson turned a trusted piece on a roster constructed for deep March runs. Over two seasons, he helped the Tigers win SEC titles and attain the 2025 Ultimate 4, carving out minutes by means of protection, physicality and effectivity somewhat than quantity. As a senior, he averaged 9.1 factors and 4.9 rebounds whereas capturing 56.7% from the sector, typically enjoying behind established frontcourt choices however not often fading from video games.
After going undrafted in 2025, Johnson joined Cleveland for Summer season League and coaching camp earlier than settling into a bigger position with the Cost. Brooklyn now brings him in on a non-guaranteed two-way deal, with the expectation that he’ll spend vital time growing with the Lengthy Island Nets whereas remaining out there to the NBA roster.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s status has at all times been about greater than alternative.
“Great kid,” former Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl mentioned. “One of the most disciplined hardest workers I’ve ever coached. Great athlete. Great faith. Humble beginnings. Great family.”
