Keshad Johnson’s impressive summer league is on pause because of a left ankle injury, but he appears to be a lock for one of the Miami Heat’s two-way spots next season.
That’s because Johnson, who the Heat signed as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona moments after the conclusion of June’s draft, has impressed with his athleticism, versatility and transition play.
Squint and you can see the outlines of another former Arizona Wildcast who Johnson models his game after.
“One guy I try to model my game after is Andre Iguodala,” Johnson told me on the Locked On Heat podcast. “Andre, he’s a jack of all trades. He’s athletic, he’s got nice defense and he does spectacular things. Andre is someone I looked up to growing up.”
Growing up in the Bay Area, Miami Heat rookie Keshad Johnson looked up to fellow Arizona Wildcat Andre Iguodala. Now he models his game after the former Finals MVP.
Keshad Johnson told us he models his game after Andre Iguodala.
— Locked On Heat (@LockedOnHeat) July 19, 2024
Do you see it?https://t.co/2EzElGkKwO pic.twitter.com/x7NW4zTYAK
Johnson proudly grew up in Oakland watching the height of the Golden State Warriors dynasty. Iguodala was among the group’s most important players. The former All-Star went to Golden State and embraced a bench role but often closed games because of his versatility, playmaking and knack for making big plays in big moments.
Both Johnson and Iguodala stand at 6-foot-6 with long wingspans (Johnson at 6-foot-10, Iguodala at 6-foot-11) and are gifted athletes.
Of course, Iguodala was drafted ninth overall in 2004 and was named an All-Star (2012) and Finals MVP (2015) and won four championships.
Johnson, by comparison, went undrafted and will be joining the Heat without a clear path to playing time, despite his impressive debut.
He was one of Miami’s top summer league performers before he left Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks after turning his left ankle while attempting to block a shot. Johnson walked off the court under his own power but his status for the remainder of summer league is up in the air.
“Take it day by day, get as much treatment as possible and get ready,” Johnson told reporters after the game.