Top 10 Greatest Heat Defenders ranked by Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DPM)
These players recorded the highest Defensive Box Plus/Minus ratings in Miami Heat franchise history.
By Brennan Sims
6. James Johnson - 1.5
It makes sense that a player with a second-degree black belt in karate with an alleged 20–0 kickboxing record would strike fear in opponents, right? That was the story of James Johnson's career. He was an enforcer in Miami but also a versatile defender.
Johnson was a small forward, but he could guard up and down one position. That was a vital skill to acquire as he played in Miami's heavy switch defense.
He held his own in the paint with bigs and made up for his lack of quickness with tough semi-hand-checking defense when guarding smaller guards.
His toughness rubbed off on his teammates. You feel safe when a lightning rod like that is with you on your side.