Another AllUCanHeat Roundtable is here, and this week, the staff shares some of their biggest concerns 2018-19 play so far.
First thing’s first: at this point, what do you think the Miami Heat should do regarding Tyler Johnson?
Rahmeaun Rahming (@Boneman9000): The Miami Heat should play Tyler Johnson whenever the matchups are favorable, so he can remain in the public eye and in the minds of other team’s front office personnel. This will be a tough task for head coach Erik Spoelstra and president Pat Riley to do, once Wayne Ellington and James Johnson finally return to action though. They should look to trade Johnson by this point, because once Dion Waiters returns, it’ll be impossible to find him minutes.
Chase Eyrich (@ceyrich): There have been no favors in this situation with Johnson. He hasn’t elevated his game the way the Heat have needed him to, and there are minutes that can be used elsewhere. The easy answer is to say swallow their pride and sit Johnson. But, I’m a believer in the fact that there has to be a way to use him. Whether that means he has to focus on his 3-point shooting or ways to get to the free throw line while he’s in, he has to make the most of every minute he sees.
Lauren Gewirtz (@laurengewirtz): At this point, there are not a lot of options. He’s not playing great this year, so I think if the Heat have an opportunity to clear that salary space, then they should as soon as possible. Otherwise, I think a trade after this season would be best. It is just too big of a contract.
Rich Nurse (@followthepen): Unfortunately, Goran Dragic‘s foot injury will likely mean seeing more of Johnson on the floor. My feelings on him have not changed though (editor’s note: these answers were in before his performance against the Atlanta Hawks yesterday). His 40 percent field goal shooting–and 20 percent from downtown–should be regulated to the bench in exchange for Derrick Jones Jr. or Ellington, until James Johnson and Waiters return.