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Miami Heat: Tyler Johnson must know his role in 2018-19

By Chase Eyrich

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson is under a lot of pressure this upcoming season, with his role still undefined.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson has been in a lot of hot water now that he’s in the heavy part of his contract, making almost $20 million this upcoming season.

Many Heat fans have wished for the franchise to find a way to dump his contract, while others around the league have voiced their disagreement with his salary.

This controversy was even tied into the current salary issue of WNBA players.

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner had to apologize after she was wrongly tied to a quote that stated “mediocre players like Tyler Johnson…” were making too much. Unfortunately, Griner’s apology included that she doesn’t even know who he is.

Yes, Johnson is not a household name.

But this doesn’t mean that he does not hold any value to the team. What the Heat need to do is figure out how to make him worth his $20 million dollar salary.

Johnson has admitted that sometimes he doesn’t know how to take his foot off the gas; good news for him, as that’s what the Heat need. His hustle is seemingly unmatched, using the chip on his shoulder to only add to his fire.

Still, his offensive numbers dropped last season and that’s where most of the recent hate has stemmed from. However Johnson can’t focus on numbers; he needs to focus on becoming a nightmare.

No one should ever question Johnson’s work ethic. If you do, take a minute to go look for one of his teeth on the court.

Don’t worry, there are a few out there for you to find.

Miami Heat president Pat Riley has mentioned that he wants his team to be known as the “nastiest, hardest working, and most disliked” in the NBA. Johnson can bring that for him. When it comes to where he should channel this mentality, the defensive end might be ideal.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra wants to stick to a defensive mindset. Forget about teams scoring in the 120’s; he wants the score to be more around 100 or less.

Johnson can be that defensive menace that the Heat need.

Looking back at last season, the wing was a big reason why the Heat seemed to have the Boston Celtics’ number. Going 2-1 against the Celtics, while even ending their 16-game winning streak at one point, showed how Johnson’s hustle gets things done.

In the November matchup that ended Boston’s streak, Johnson came away with 16 points off the bench.

In December, he wasn’t able to find that offensive rhythm.

Instead, he got it done with 11 boards, including nine on the defensive end.

Next. The Miami Heat should hold onto guard Goran Dragic. dark

Johnson already has what the Heat need. Now it’s time to see that $20 million dollar hustle.

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