Tyler Johnson will feel the pressure to contribute for the Miami Heat

Dwyane Wade’s departure will add just as much weight to Tyler Johnson’s shoulders as his $50 million contract.

The old adage says that pressure will bust pipes or create diamonds. And for the sake of the Miami Heat’s season, a few of their young stars will have to come off looking more polished than in need of a fix.

Which means Justise Winslow’s jump shot has to be on, Josh Richardson has to improve his decision-making and Hassan Whiteside has to show that his triple-double prowess is stronger than his occasional absent-mindedness.

None of these truths are a big surprise. However it could be argued that just as many eyes will be placed on Tyler Johnson by default. But not because of something that he did wrong.

It is no secret that most fans were surprised when the Brooklyn Nets signed the third-year guard to a $50 million offer sheet. Some were even more confused when the Heat matched the four-year investment after seemingly struggling to guarantee Dwyane Wade between $40-$45 million or an extra year. Forging the familiar argument that Pat Riley gave Johnson his aging superstar’s money.

Here’s the most anticipated games from the Miami Heat’s schedule

Dwyane Wade's return, a New Year's Day matchup and five nationally televised games headline the Miami Heat's 2016-17 schedule.

Although the undrafted D-League guard worked his way up to averaging nine points per game as the team’s third best three-point shooter last season, his 2016-17 campaign will partially be haunted by the departure of Wade.

Every missed shot will be scrutinized and every struggle will come with a side of criticism. Especially if his dual role in the backcourt sees him average more turnovers (2.6) than assists (2.4), as the Miami Herald pointed out that he did this past January while filling in for Goran Dragic.

"“All the drills we’re doing this year are kind of skewed toward being a point guard. So, it’s definitely going to be an important development to continue to get better…. I think it’s still the same goal that [coach Erik Spoelstra] has had from last year — to get a lot of reps at point guard.”"

With the two-guard position crowded–with Dion Waiters, Richardson, Wayne Ellington, Rodney McGruder–slotting Johnson as Dragic’s reserve is Miami’s best bet for getting him on the floor. It also gives him a chance to make mistakes without looking over his shoulder, a learning curve that Riley needs him to navigate. If not, the groans will only grow louder about the Heat investing in him, and not Wade.