Miami Heat: Tyler Johnson could be team’s X factor

With Tyler Johnson playing great ball lately, he could very well be the Miami Heat’s X factor.

The basketball world was up in arms when Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson signed his four-year, $50 million contract during the summer of 2016.

Heck, even the former Fresno State Bulldog had a hard time believing it, throwing up not once, but twice.

Because after going undrafted in 2014 and then spending a year in the Gatorade League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Johnson suddenly found himself in the middle of a bidding war. With a lot of money at stake, to boot. Having averaged 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists a game in 2015-16, numbers with potential but certainly nothing to write home about, the Brooklyn Nets extended a generous offer sheet.

One that president Pat Riley matched just four days later.

At the time, the majority of Heat Nation was skeptical of the decision. While the South Dakota-native had shown flashes of greatness (like scoring 20 points against the Charlotte Hornets or going 6-of-7 from downtown for 13 points versus the Golden State Warriors), he hadn’t exactly proven himself yet.

But Riley knew best. Fast forward to 2016-17, and Johnson was clearly worth the investment.

Coming off the bench, the young buck averaged 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. He was consistent pretty much across the board, with standout performances like scoring 32 points on 13-of-20 shooting against the Orlando Magic and 27 points on 4-for-5 from beyond-the-arc versus the Atlanta Hawks.

And should have at least been considered for Sixth Man of the Year. An award that ended up going to Eric Gordon of the Houston Rockets, who averaged 16.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists a matchup.

This year, Johnson is still playing that sixth man role, a role that is more vital than ever. Because as the Heat struggle, dealing with inconsistency across the board, they need someone to keep their energy up and their spark alive. A guy like the 25-year-old underdog, who never gives up. Not even when all the odds are against him.

He didn’t for a second consider tanking last year, even as Miami went 11-30. And despite recent shooting woes, continued to believe in himself.

"“The ball is going in,” Johnson said. “They’re the same shots I’ve been shooting. I haven’t really changed my routing, I haven’t really changed a whole to the game. Just shooting them with confidence.”"

After a rocky start to the season, Johnson is averaging 17.5 points on 65 percent shooting for the month of December. Including scoring 25 and 20, in consecutive games. A first for the guard this year. But hopefully, not the last.

"“I think my approach to the game has got to go back to where it was at, just locking in a little bit more.”"

While the team would obviously benefit from an increased offensive presence from Johnson, what he brings to the table goes beyond numbers. His perseverance is contagious, giving that second unit a will to keep up the momentum. Really, what he does during his time filling in for Goran Dragic is often what swings the game one way or another.

"“I thought last year there were a lot of times I’d come right into the game and get a couple off and feel like guys are in rhythm early…I have been trying to get off to faster starts.”"

Next: The curious case of Dion Waiters and the Miami Heat

Although Tyler Johnson may have taken a while to find his groove, he could very well be the Miami Heat’s X factor this season.