Five questions the Miami Heat need to answer heading into training camp

Unleashing the Heat’s Secret Weapon

Speaking of James Johnson, while last year was the start of a new chapter for the longtime journeyman, this year marks the continuation of that with the expectation to take his game to another level after awarded with a long-term contract.

Johnson will surely take on a bigger role on both ends of the floor, much like he did towards the end of last season. Spoelstra routinely trusted him with the ball in his hands at the end of games (missed jumper led to Whiteside’s tip-in at Detroit and a bad offensive foul call prevented a game-winner against Cleveland) not just as a shooter but as an overall initiator. Johnson’s versatility in the Heat’s system had a direct impact on their 30-11 turnaround and, if he can replicate (and possibly enhance) that production for an entire season, he’ll have no problem earning the postseason accolades he deserved this summer.

Defensively, Heat fans know all about just how important Johnson was to one of the league’s best defensive units. In an isolation situation, there was no one better in Miami and nearly the league, with Johnson grading out with defensive stalwarts like Zach Randolph, Jimmy Butler and Andre Iguodala, allowing just 0.49 points per possession while allowing a score just 24 percent of the time (fourth in the league of players who played more than 65 games).

Over the course of the season, Johnson became a swiss army knife of sorts, even anchoring smaller lineups at the center position, then turning around and bringing the ball up the floor.  Expect more of that this season especially with more depth in the frontcourt with the addition of Olynyk (who could form a deadly pick and roll defensive tandem with Johnson) and return of Winslow.

Spoelstra has always had a knack for further elevating a player’s game. It happened with LeBron James and Chris Bosh, even veterans like Shane Battier and Ray Allen. It can happen again with James Johnson, who will again find himself playing (and defending) every position on the floor.

The question will remain what exactly Spoelstra intends to inject into his game, which will unlock yet another level of potential.