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Round Table: The 2016-17 Miami Heat End Of Season Awards

By All U Can Heat Staff

Apr 10, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra cheers on during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 124-121 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra cheers on during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 124-121 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Improved

Tachauer: If we’re talking players who were on the team last year too, I think this should go to Whiteside. As big of a beast as he was in 2015-16, he took things to a whole other level this season. He improved tremendously on both ends of the floor, but beyond that, also stepped up as a leader for the squad. He took the younger guys under his wing and showed the newbies the ropes, all while maturing himself.

However, I don’t think anyone underwent a bigger transformation than Johnson. He changed mind, body and soul, ultimately leading to him playing the best basketball of his life.

Goldberg: After signing a four-year, $50 million deal last summer, Tyler Johnson made it a goal to earn the contract that made him puke. Across the board, Johnson’s stats improved from his second to his third season.

2015-16: 8.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 STL, 1.2 TOV, 24.0 MPG

2016-17: 13.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 STL, 1.2 TOV, 29.8 MPG

Johnson increased his scoring output by five points per game. And if you think that’s only because of the increased playing time, consider that his per 36 numbers show more than a three points per game increase as well. Johnson was asked to take on a bigger role this season, and he embraced it while improving his overall game. At this rate, he’ll be worth his $19 million salary that kicks in in two years.

Sanning: While I just finished a piece on Whiteside’s growth, this has to go to Tyler Johnson. The numbers (as Wes pointed out) speak for themselves, and it’s safe to say Johnson definitely earned every bit of the salary the Heat are paying him.

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