Jefferson, Johnson Ready to Embrace Nets Roles

Joshua Jefferson and Chaney Johnson are entering their first full seasons with the Brooklyn Nets with different levels of experience, but both are focused on doing whatever is necessary to help the team.

The two young forwards spoke with reporters Monday at Nets Media Day, discussing their development, the roles they could play this season, their experiences working with Jordi Fernández and the impact of having Julius Randle around the team.

For Johnson, the last 12 to 18 months have been a major period of growth.

After earning an opportunity with Brooklyn toward the end of last season, Johnson has continued to build on that experience throughout the summer. He said the Nets' emphasis on player development has made the transition a rewarding one.

"It's been a blessing honestly," Johnson said. "I'm just happy that I'm here in Brooklyn."

Johnson also developed some experience playing center last season, a role that was relatively new for him. While he spent some time at the five with Long Island, he became more comfortable with the position as his opportunities increased with Brooklyn.

Heading into training camp, Johnson said he is comfortable playing wherever the Nets need him.

"I'm very comfortable in whatever position they put me in," Johnson said. "I love to play basketball, love to win, love to compete."

That willingness to embrace different roles could be important for Johnson as he competes for playing time on a deep Brooklyn roster.

Jefferson, meanwhile, is preparing to adjust his game to the NBA after spending his college career with more responsibility on the ball.

One of Jefferson's strengths in college was his ability to create for himself and his teammates. He expects that part of his game to remain important, but he understands that his opportunities will look different with more established offensive weapons around him.

"It's going to change a little bit with the amount of weapons that we have," Jefferson said.

Rather than having the ball in his hands as often as he did in college, Jefferson expects to make an impact by pushing the ball in transition, attacking closeouts and making quick decisions.

Jefferson also said his ankle is feeling much better after he continued working his way back from the injury during Summer League. He has been focused on becoming a better defender as well, including learning to pick up opponents full court.

"Trying to excel at whatever they need me to do, accept any role that they throw," Jefferson said.

The rookie has also already begun learning from Randle, a player whose game he has admired. Jefferson said Randle's physicality stood out to him during their early time together, particularly the way the veteran forward uses contact to get where he wants on the floor.

For Jefferson, having Randle around provides another opportunity to learn as he begins his NBA career.

Johnson has similarly appreciated his experience playing for Fernández, praising the Nets coach for the energy and belief he brings to the team.

"He truly believes in his players," Johnson said.

With training camp underway, both Jefferson and Johnson appear prepared to embrace whatever responsibilities come their way as Brooklyn continues building its young core.