5 reasons why the Miami Heat will make the playoffs

AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 28: Hassan Whiteside
AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 28: Hassan Whiteside /
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MIAMI, FL – MARCH 31: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat handles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 31: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat handles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

James Johnson’s all-around brilliance

James Johnson entered the league nearly a decade ago, drafted by the Chicago Bulls 16th overall in 2009.

Since then, he’s enjoyed a fairly succesful journeyman career, but failed to find his niche until arriving in South Florida last offseason.

Fully embracing what is now known as Heat culture, Johnson’s transformation was truly remarkable.

Finding himself in the best physical shape of his entire life, he went on to make a run at the Sixth Man of the Year award, averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor.

This was the first time Johnson averaged double-digit points for a season, but it doesn’t appear that its going to be the last.

What was even more impressive? He averaged a steal and a block per game too, epitomizing the true meaning of an all-around player.

He’ll score when you need, he can defend, rebound, and distribute the ball. He’s a Swiss army knife-type of player that is becoming more and more valuable in today’s NBA.

Pat Riley has been the king at finding hidden gems, and he may have stumbled upon one of  his biggest yet in this case.

Take a long sigh of relief, Heat fans. Johnson is here to stay, and I won’t be surprised if he finishes his career in Miami. He has the makings of a #HeatLifer.