What the Miami Heat can expect from James Johnson
James Johnson, one of Miami Heat’s newest members, is sure to add some spunk to the team moving forward.
Without a doubt, this offseason was a whirlwind. And nothing may ever take away the pain of losing Dwyane Wade. But with the start of basketball just around the corner, it is time to look at what the Miami Heat gained and how the organization will look moving forward.
On July 10, forward James Johnson signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Miami as the Heat scooped up free agents on one-year deals, leading to the eventual re-signing of Tyler Johnson.
A natural power forward, the 29-year-old will join Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Josh McRoberts and Derrick Williams. However, he can fulfill the role of small forward too, as a backup to Justise Winslow.
On defense is where Johnson has made his mark, posting a career defensive box plus minus of 2.2, via Basketball-Reference.com.
And while he has averaged a modest 6.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists over his career, he scored a career-high 27 points last February.
The potential is there.
Making his mark as a high schooler, Johnson was listed as the No. 16 small forward by Rivals. He also excelled in college, earning All-ACC honors as a freshman and coming in second for ACC Rookie of the Year; over his two years there, he averaged 14.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.
But so far as a professional, he has underwhelmed. Johnson has played for four different NBA teams–but for the Raptors twice–and spent some time in the Developmental League. Which should actually give Miami hope. After all, Hassan Whiteside arrived in South Beach as a so-called nobody and journeyman.
Heat Nation can also gear up for a fighter. Something they will undoubtedly need, now that most of the league has counted them out as championship contenders.
Despite his backseat role in Toronto, Johnson gave the team his all, night in and night out. For example, when he dunked over Andre Drummond in December of 2014.
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And even when he subsequently got hurt via Drummond’s hard foul, he had nothing but a good attitude about it:
"“That was nasty, but that’s basketball. I don’t expect anything less from anybody that’s trying to win. Frustration sets in when you want to win – no hard feelings.”"
So while Johnson may not have been the “whale” Riley was looking for, the team could have certainly done worse.