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Miami Heat: 13 player grades for the first half of the regular season

By Trey Flynn

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 08: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat directs his team against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Arena on January 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 08: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat directs his team against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Arena on January 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 10: Dwyane Wade #3 talks with Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena on January 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 10: Dwyane Wade #3 talks with Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena on January 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

B-. . SG. Miami Heat. TYLER JOHNSON

The Miami Heat’s Tyler Johnson is making $38 million over the next two seasons, and while that contract is obviously back-ended, that is a lot of money for a player that struggles with consistent play.

Johnson is averaging 11.1 PPG and is shooting 38.3 percent from downtown, with both of those numbers getting higher as Dragic continues to be out. Even though Johnson didn’t replace Dragic in the starting lineup and the Heat allowed Winslow to take on those duties, Johnson has gotten a bigger workload since the dragon’s injury.

Unfortunately, for Johnson, Dion Waiters will most likely be the beneficiary of TJ’s lost minutes moving forward, as the Heat have a lot of confidence and stock in Waiters’ island. So a lot like the Rodney McGruder situation, Johnson may have to take a back seat and be a solid depth piece for Miami to use when they need to.

Luckily for TJ, he is only 26-years-old and is learning from guys like Dwyane Wade.

Even though Johnson has had his fair share of opportunities on this Heat team, he has shown tangible signs of a solid sixth man for the next few years in this league. If he can continue producing double-digit scoring numbers and be a gritty player that loses teeth every defensive possession, then I can imagine him being a nice asset in the second half of the season for the Heat.

Ultimately, Johnson gets a B- and not a C+ because his willingness to play through injuries and be the heart of the Heat when they desperately need him. He is a strong willed player that deserves fans’ respect, and not empty criticism just because he has a back loaded contract.

The dragon is our next player, straight out of Slovenia.

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