Miami Heat: James Johnson’s playoff expectations rest in his diversity

James Johnson has a tall order to fill in the 2018 NBA playoffs.

The last time James Johnson was in a playoff setting was in 2016, ironically during an Eastern Conference Finals trip with the Toronto Raptors. Johnson played a total 12 minutes and change against the Miami Heat, en route to the Raptors’ 4-3 series victory.

Then primarily a reserve player in Toronto, Johnson’s fondness for building team spirit shone through his effort in garbage time. In the 2015 season, with a 20-point Raptors lead, Johnson bulldozed Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond at the rim.

The dunk subsequently birthed one of Johnson’s most iconic sound bites.

"Johnson recalled, “That was nasty right? I cocked that joint back and banged on ‘em.”"

Since arriving in Miami in October 2016, there has been no shortage of Johnson highlights. A fearsome rim assailant, Johnson’s team allegiance has also spoke volumes. Consequently, the four-year deal he signed with Miami was the most loyalty he’s been shown through his nine-season career.

With an eye towards self and team improvement, this year’s Johnson has been finding himself once again. Outside of a dip in points per game, Johnson’s raw stats are almost identical to those in the 2016-17 campaign.

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Despite the consistency, Johnson has had high and low stretches throughout the year. December and January marked an offensive wall – Johnson’s 3-point shooting dipped to 17.6 and 21.4 percent respectively.

Worse still, Johnson’s free throw attempts suffered. Johnson shot 36 free throws through 23 games in December and January. In November, he managed 38 attempts alone, a testament to his rim-attacking approach.

Entering the playoffs however, Miami needs to rely on James Johnson and his multi-faceted game. He can pass. He can score. And most importantly, he can guard the opponent’s best players.

Bloodsport

Johnson’s six-foot-nine frame was chiseled by a history of kickboxing and Miami’s own rigorous training regimen. Arriving in Miami, Johnson saw the strength and conditioning results of Heat players from yesteryear, and planned to embrace the same physical growth.

"“I thought I was going to be the only [player to do it] because I came in something huge…,” Johnson said last season.  He added, “But then I ran through their iPad. It was like a magazine, a list of their accomplishments with other players and I saw it with my own eyes. And from what I saw on that iPad, I wanted to change myself.”"

Johnson’s change is apparent, further evidenced by his ability to pick up the toughest covers in the league. Entering the playoffs, staring down a matchup with any of the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics or Toronto Raptors, Johnson’s role calls upon his diversity.

Embracing contact is key to Johnson’s game. On both sides of the ball he’ll find himself in the paint. Offensively, Johnson’s game is at the rim. He’s attempted 220 such shots, more than anywhere else on the court.

Defensively, he’ll find himself chest-to-chest with all manner of LeBron James, Ben Simmons and DeMar DeRozan level players. Josh Richardson is Miami’s clear and away defensive stalwart, but Johnson’s flexibility will make him a hot commodity in the playoffs.

A tall order to fill, at least Johnson is feeling good this April.

"“I feel good,” he said ahead of the Knicks game last friday. “No aches. I was really mentally locked in.” He continued,“ I’m in great shape. I’ve been lifting everyday. I think it’s at the best possible place it could be going into these playoffs.”"

His positivity isn’t a ruse. The month of March marked Johnson’s statistical return. He shot nearly 60 percent from the field while snatching more rebounds, assists, steals and blocks than any month prior.

Johnson has the tools to rise to any occasion. Miami’s youth can be a detriment, but their depth more than covers their collective lack of playoff experience.

Next: With only two games left, it’s all up to the Miami Heat now

Add in support from veterans Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, and Johnson can help Miami’s playoff run be one to remember.