In a season full of questions for the Miami Heat, one thing is clear: Tyler Johnson gets it.
At first glance, it may not seem as though Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson has a very good handle on this season.
In 23 games played, he’s averaging 11.3 points on 44.1 percent shooting (37.1 percent from downtown), alongside 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists; his lowest numbers since 2015-16.
And while he’s had strong nights, such as his most recent performance against the Houston Rockets (he totaled 19 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field, four rebounds and two blocks), he has also struggled.
For instance, on December 12 versus the Utah Jazz, he finished with just three points and two rebounds in 22 minutes, going 1-of-7 from the floor.
However, as the year goes by, it’s becoming clear that the guard is catching more flack than deserved. Because although he has been inconsistent at times, the same can (unfortunately) be said for multiple players on the roster.
What’s more, is that even when the 26-year-old can’t find a way to be an asset on the court, behind-the-scenes, he’s continuously working to help the team find success.
Something that all comes down to really understanding The Culture.
For starters, when fans started calling for the organization to tank a few weeks ago, he was the first one to speak out against such a notion.
"“It’s f–king dumb,” he said of the entire idea. “If you really think that as a fan, I don’t think you’re a true fan.”"
Arguably harsh words, but he wasn’t wrong.
Miami Heat Basketball has always been about grit and grind. not giving up.
"“Any time something is too hard, you just don’t do it anymore,” he continued on the matter. “You just quit. I think that’s what’s so satisfying about the direction of this team. Every season is different. We had to go through a lot of stuff early. We don’t make excuses about it, but you see that we’re trending in the right direction.”"
If anyone gets the mentality of this franchise, it’s Johnson.
He also is very much in tune with the team’s current identity.
While this group was once best known for its lights out 3-point shooting (an aspect of the game that the South Dakota-native himself very much excels at), Miami’s reputation has changed a bit.
The current squad prides itself on always “making it ugly.”
"“A lot of teams aren’t used to that,” explained Johnson. “So, I feel like in the three years that we’ve been here, we’ve had to win ugly a lot. In most of our games, we’re not running away with anything. It’s a two-point game, one-point game going down the stretch. It’s always been part of our identity.”"
Now, more than always.
Whether Heat Nation is harder on Johnson than necessary because of his contract, or just because they need a scape-goat, is a question for another time.
For now, fans just need to better appreciate what he brings to the table, outside of what can show up in a boxscore.
Say yes to the Tyler Johnson being a great fit for the Miami Heat.