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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: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls

It was a season of extreme’s for Mirotic, who just completed his third year in the league. Overall, he posted 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds in 24.0 minutes per game. Recently turned 26, it was expected that Mirotic would take a leap this season in terms of his productivity as a player. Instead, it was his patience that would be tested, as he started in just 15 of his 70 games played.

Following three consecutive non-appearances (two Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision and a complete Did Not Dress) late in the season, Mitoric took off in the final 16 games of the season. Over this span, he averaged 15.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 28.4 minutes per game. Notably, Mirotic shot 43.5 percent from downtown on 7.2 attempts per game, and overall was a +139 during this span.

It should come as no surprise that Mirotic started in 13 of these final 16 games. Surrounded by better talent in the starting lineup enabled Mirotic to get the open looks he desires, with the results speaking for themselves. In fact, the Bulls were 10-5 for the season with Mirotic in the starting lineup.

Mirotic posted 20 or more points on eight occasions, hitting 61.5 percent from the field and 51.4 percent from, three-point range. The Bulls were 7-1 in these games. On the flip side, Mirotic scored in single figures on 36 occasions, shooting 29.4 percent from the field and 19.9 percent from behind three during these games. The Bulls were 17-19 over this span.

Mirotic scored a season-high 28 points on three occasions, all in the space of four games. One of these performances was during a crucial home win against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Playing 38 minutes, Mirotic hit 9-of-14 from the field, including 6-of-11 from behind three. His team-high +13 while on the court illustrates Mirotic’s importance when he is firing.

Playing alongside an inside presence such as Hassan Whiteside, and an attacking point guard in Goran Dragic, could provide an intriguing mix for the Heat. The main caveat on Mirotic’s game as a whole has been on the defensive end. This would likely be the main concerning factor when the Heat weigh up the skills that Mirotic has to offer.

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