Miami Heat: Individual player grades for the 2017-18 starting five

Tyler Johnson – C+

It’s never easy to take on a new role, and no one knows that better than Johnson. While the guard spent last year making a case for Sixth Man of the Year, he found himself as a starter for more than half of his 2017-18 campaign.

Johnson, who didn’t start in a single one of the 73 games he competed in last season, started a whopping 39 of 72 this year. Which unfortunately, didn’t exactly work out for the best. Although on paper, it may not seem like the 26-year-old struggled, the eye test tells a different story.

In 2016-17, Johnson averaged 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals a game. He brought an unparalleled spark off the bench, was a defensive powerhouse and drained 3-pointers with ease. However this season, his production took a hit. He finished averaging 11.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest, and didn’t quite possess the same energy.

Glimpses of brilliance were still there, though.

On December 30 against the Orlando Magic, he scored 31 points in 39 minutes, shooting 12-of-18 from the field (3-for-4 from downtown). He also collected four rebounds and dished out three assists, causing havoc all over the floor.

He also scored 25 ponts (including shooting 5-of-8 from 3) versus the San Antonio Spurs on December 6.

However overall, Johnson just couldn’t find his groove this season. Between having to switch to a starter and nursing a few injuries, the bulk of No. 8’s year was about average. A fact made slightly more concerning, considering that his salary is set to significantly increase next season.

Perhaps it’s time for this guard to return to the bench?