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Miami Heat 2016-17 player preview: James Johnson

By Simon Smith

Nov 11, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) dribbles the ball up the court against the Orlando Magic at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 104-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) dribbles the ball up the court against the Orlando Magic at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 104-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Johnson was a former first round pick who has never found a landing spot. The Heat will be hoping his experience can help them recover from a tough off-season.

Dec 3, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) grabs a rebound during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at EnergySolutions Arena. Toronto won 123-104. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Lost amidst the fanfare of the Miami Heat’s offseason was the signing of free agent forward James Johnson. And its understandable, despite Johnson’s status as a former No. 16 overall pick in 2009. Johnson is entering his eighth NBA season, with the Heat becoming his fifth team. Whenever a former high draft pick has bounced around the league, naturally questions are going to be raised. Miami clearly sees some value in him.

The Heat made a low-risk move in acquiring Johnson’s services, signing the veteran to a one year, $4 million deal. Having signed Johnson very early in the free-agency season, the Heat clearly value Johnson’s skill-set. At 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, Johnson will be seen to provide stability and experience at both the four and five spots.

Johnson is certainly not a prototypical 4 or 5, but undoubtedly has many elements to bring to a team. With Miami losing premiere big-man Chris Bosh, and also in a season of transition, Johnson has the ability to fill many roles. We will wait in anticipation to see the end result.

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