Miami Heat forward James Johnson has been the target of many fans’ ire. It appears as though he’s aware, based on what we’ve seen this summer.
Miami Heat forward James Johnson has been the constant target of criticism. These gripes have come from all over the league’s fanbases, but especially from his very own.
You have seen everything from the desire to trade the veteran forward to some fans even wanting him flat out cut. While the Miami Heat organization wouldn’t dare waive Johnson with the money he’s owed, it appears that they may not have wanted to move him via trade either. So as it stands and Regardless of how the fans feel about him, it looks like the organization may have wanted him on the roster to start the season.
James Johnson seems aware of these feelings though. Even if he isn’t aware of how the fanbase feels, he seems to be aware of the fact that he had a down season last year. This has been evident in everything you’ve seen about him this offseason.
It has shown from his rededication to his conditioning and body, as he appears even slimmer than he has been over the past few seasons, to continuing to work on and expand his game. Here is one of the most recent pieces of evidence we have in this particular case.
https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1157684856051994625
The events of the above video took place at Isaiah Thomas‘s sixth annual Zeke End Tournament. Here is a quote from Jon Manley of The News Tribune, a local Tacoma, Washington news outlet.
"Former Curtis High School star, University of Washington guard, NBA veteran and now current Washington Wizard Isaiah Thomas is in town for his sixth-annual “Zeke-End” tournament event at Tacoma Community College over the weekend, raising charity money for the Isaiah Thomas Family Giving Fund.The event’s guest list featured 24 teams, including several prominent NBA players making appearances throughout the weekend, a list that included Derrick Rose, Zach LaVine, Dejounte Murray, Jamal Crawford, Marquese Chriss, Terrence Ross, Kevin Porter Jr., Jaylen Nowell, Kelly Oubre, James Johnson, Aaron Brooks and Nate Robinson."
Even among all of the pros mentioned, James Johnson obviously found a way to stand out. Injury hampered the Miami Heat forward on last season, limiting him to only 55 games. His per-game averages were also down across the board.
He is still a very good wing defender and a versatile player on offense, meaning he is someone who can definitely help this Miami team in the upcoming season and especially with the addition of Jimmy Butler. Johnson should help to take some of the defensive pressure off of Butler, being able to guard the best opposing wing player, which should allow Butler to be his best offensive self. Let’s hope his showings this summer carry over into the season.