Miami Heat: Is The Team’s Power Forward Of The Future Already On The Roster?

From Elite Reserve To Starter

Regardless of it being merely a three-game sample size, the career journeyman’s numbers in that period have been astounding.

As a starter, Johnson is averaging 21.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game on 55.8 percent shooting from the field and 46.7 percent from deep.

According to ESPN Stats and Info, on Apr. 5, he became the first player in Miami’s illustrious history to score 25 points on 12 shots or less with no free throw attempts. Johnson hasn’t been adept as a starter, he has been historically good.

If the numbers weren’t enough, on Apr. 8, the Heat’s big man threw in a vastly important game-winner for good measure.

How many bruising power forwards can you name with the deft touch to dribble the ball between their legs, crossover, go right and spin back left while finishing with their off-hand? Not many.

In the time Johnson’s been a starter, the Heat are 10th in the NBA in net rating despite missing their irreplaceable 2-guard Dion Waiters. In that span, Miami boasts a 102.5 defensive rating, which — if it were their clip for the season — would put them third overall, behind only the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors.

Johnson’s addition to the opening lineup has given the Heat new life in their chase for the final spot in the Eastern Conference Playoff race.

His play has been so superb that it makes one wonder: What if this season wasn’t about Johnson reaching a plateau, but rather, a stepping stone? The next step being full-time starter?