Nets' Chaney Johnson speaks to Julius Randle's grit and toughness

The Brooklyn Nets are a few weeks away from officially beginning their 2026-27 NBA season once training camp kicks off later this month for one of the youngest teams in the league. Brooklyn made some interesting moves this offseason, including trading for Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle

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The Brooklyn Nets are a few weeks away from officially beginning their 2026-27 NBA season once training camp kicks off later this month for one of the youngest teams in the league. Brooklyn made some interesting moves this offseason, including trading for Minnesota Timberwolves

forward Julius Randle, and Two-Way forward Chaney Johnson gave his take on the intangibles that Randle brings to the roster.

"Just getting to meet Julius Randle and being around him a lot more... For sure just brings a grit that we need," Johnson said during his appearance on "The Brooklyn Boys" podcast with NetsDaily's Connor Long. Johnson spoke on a variety of topics related to the Nets during his time on the show, but he had plenty to say about what Randle brings as a veteran,

especially with how head coach Jordi Fernandez likes to coach.

"Jordi is like a hard-nosed, dive on the floor, play hard [kind of guy]. But, at the same time, [he] makes sure that we're taking care of the basics type of coach," Johnson continued. "I feel like [what] Julius brings [is] just an added benefit on top of what Jordi already wants out of his players. So, I mean he's [Randle] a cool dude. I ain't going to lie, he's a lot bigger in person."

Randle, 31, is coming off another solid season last year as he averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 31.5% from behind the three-point line with the Timberwolves. Randle now joins a Nets team with forward Michael Porter Jr. and guard Egor Demin leading the way, meaning that the former Kentucky Wildcat will have to take on a different role in Brooklyn.

Randle has already spoken on what he anticipates seeing from the rest of the team, including what his partnership with Porter will look like given their varying skillsets. Johnson will be looking to earn as many minutes as he can at the NBA level, but while he embarks on his own journey, he recognizes that Randle is a big addition to the team thanks to his productivity and his veteran presence.