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Player exit review: James Johnson embodied Miami Heat culture

By Rob Slater

Apr 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) loses the ball as Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) loses the ball as Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball as Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) defends during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball as Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) defends during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Interesting Stat: 40.4  

While Johnson’s offensive game saw a considerable overhaul, he also graded out as one of the most tenacious defenders in the NBA, with opponents shooting 40.4 percent when guarded by Johnson, a nearly five percent drop off from their usual average.

These types of defensive numbers are comparable to defensive stalwarts like Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green and emerging DPOY candidate in Utah’s Rudy Gobert.

Among players who appeared in more than 70 games this season, Johnson’s defensive differential (-4.8) ranks better than LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Klay Thompson, among others.

Johnson’s defense was his calling card throughout the year even as his offense developed. Among the Heat’s best two-man combinations, Johnson finds himself in five of the top-11 in terms of Defensive Rating.

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