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Potential free agent replacements for James Johnson

By Simon Smith

January 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) shoots a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) shoots a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite James Johnson having a career year, there is no guarantee he will return to the Miami Heat. Here we look at some of his potential replacements.

The rise of James Johnson this past season with the Miami Heat has been highly documented, and for good reason.

In the season prior to joining the Heat, Johnson posted the very modest numbers of 5.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game as a member of the Toronto Raptors. Johnson played in just 57 games that season, primarily due to an assortment of injuries. Furthermore his playing time, even when healthy, was very sporadic and inconsistent.

This lack of opportunity even led Johnson to tweeting the following in the midst of that season:

So it came as no surprise that Johnson bet on himself this past summer, signing a one-year, $4 million deal.

Johnson’s breakout season for the Heat was not only impressive, but unexpected. It’s not often that a player on their fifth team in eight seasons makes such a significant impact. In 76 games, Johnson averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 27.4 minutes per game. As a result, he is now among the favorites for this season’s sixth man off the year honors.

And when thrust into the starting lineup for the final four games of the season in the race to the playoffs, Johnson didn’t disappoint. Over these four games, Johnson averaged 16.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 37.0 minutes per game.

A significant reason behind Johnson’s transformation on the court was his body transformation off the court. Upon signing with the Heat, Johnson checked in at 274 pounds and 14.5 percent body fat. By mid-season, Johnson had trimmed down to 238 pounds and 6.75 percent body fat.

Naturally, Johnson’s achievements this past season have garnered the attention of teams league-wide. And as a result, some lucrative offers are likely to be heading Johnson’s way this summer.

In the event that the Heat are unable to come to terms with Johnson this offseason, here is a list of potential replacements the Heat may have in mind.

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