Young Players Step Up
There’s been much made of Wade’s departure this offseason, and deservedly so. However, it’s quite obvious how much confidence the Heat organization has invested in the young bucks on the team, most notable Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson.
Outside of Winslow, neither Richardson nor Johnson was selected in the first round, the latter an undrafted free agent upon coming into the league.
Over the course of the past two seasons, the trio has combined to produce countless impressive defensive sequences, flashy dunks as well as timely shots. Remember Richardson’s sudden fourth quarter flurry in Chicago? What about Winslow’s 20-point performance that helped spur the Heat to a win over the Nuggets?
Just imagine that on a consistent basis. Could one imagine the load it would take off Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside? Goran Dragic would make a living off of assists rather than just points, making his game a whole lot more effective.
With Johnson making $50 million and the latter two inevitably bound to sign hefty contracts in the future, it’s time they live up to the billing night in and night out.
Next: Enter the Dragon