Miami Heat: 3 goals for James Johnson in the 2019-20 season

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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 13: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat speaks with Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat during the preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 13, 2017 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Provide leadership

James Johnson will enter the 2019-20 season as the second-oldest player on the Miami Heat roster behind just Goran Dragic, and as the years go on the inevitable decline sets in. While hopefully he is available for in-game action more next season than he was this season, he may be just as valuable off the floor if not more so for his team.

As a poster child for Heat Culture, Johnson is one of the guys who are synonymous with the development that can come from playing for the Miami Heat. On a roster with a number of young players and newcomers such as rookies Tyler Herro and KZ Okpala, his experience and leadership could be instrumental to bringing them along with the program.

Johnson will likely be going nowhere as his contract is somewhat onerous with two years and $31.4 million remaining on his deal, with a player option in the second year. While he likely can’t be traded, he can demonstrate his value by mentoring his younger teammates.

For a franchise accustomed to legendary leadership from all-time greats like Dwyane Wade, James Johnson has the opportunity to follow in his path by leading his Miami Heat teammates.

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