James Johnson
If anyone has the biggest case to be the x-factor for the Miami Heat this season, it is one black-belt having James Johnson. His first two years were quite surprising, but after sustaining an injury last season, he had a disappointing year.
This is his redemption year and if he does play as he did in his previous seasons with Miami, then the team will be in a much better position. In his first two seasons, he was a reliable double-digit scorer, a decent rebounder, an underrated playmaker, and a really good defender.
As mentioned above, part of Johnson’s game that goes underrated is his playmaking ability. Did you know that in his first two seasons with the team, he was second in total assists?
This season may be his best season as a playmaker. With the additions of a sharpshooter in Tyler Herro and hopefully with an improved Winslow, Johnson should have many reliable scoring options to set up.
His value goes beyond the boxscore as well. He is a leader amongst the team and with hope, he should be on the floor more than he was during last season, where his abilities to lead will be of a bit more use to those on the floor with him.
All three of the players mentioned here have their own case to be the Heat’s x-factor and very good ones to be frank. Whoever it is though, they will for sure be a significant part of Miami’s success this season.