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

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 24: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

James Johnson – B-

Much like his brother from another mother, Tyler Johnson, James Johnson was thrown into a starting role this season. And it caused him a bit of stress, too.

Having started just five of 76 games in 2016-17, Johnson started 41 of 73 this year, drastically changing his responsibilities. Which given the fact that he was also named co-captain alongside Goran Dragic and Udonis Haslem, ending up being a lot on his plate. He averaged 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steal a game this season, numbers that weren’t half bad, but also mirrored his 2017-18 campaign.

So while he may not have regressed, he didn’t exactly grow either.

Nevertheless, he had some standout games.

For instance, on March 19 against the Denver Nuggets, Bloodsport finished with 31 points on 13-of-17 shooting (4-for-6 from downtown), along with 11 rebounds and six assists.

He also scored 23 points in 29 minutes versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 23, going 7-for-13 from the field.

But overall, fans expected more from their starting forward. Especially when it came to consistency. Because although it was clear Johnson had the ability to take control offensively and be a problem defensively, too often he would have games when he simply couldn’t get going.

At times, there was also an issue of sloppy play. Whether it was bad turnovers or not paying close enough attention to the shot clock, an eight-year veteran should know better.

However, there is an argument to be made that No. 16 should have remained part of the second unit all along. Last year, he blossomed in a bench role, playing alongside Tyler Johnson. So in a way, it was only normal for him to struggle a bit this season.

Here’s hoping that Spoelstra is better able to find the right roles for his guys, come 2018-19.

Next: Miami Heat: What was really revealed versus the Philadelphia 76ers?

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