Miami Heat: 5 goals for James Johnson in 2017-18

2. Shoot 38 percent from 3-point range

Prior to arriving in Miami last season, this would seem a considerable stretch.

Before commencing his career with the Heat, Johnson had shot at a 26.6 percent clip from 3-point range over 398 career games. Last season, Johnson shot at a 34.0 percent clip, comfortably above his career average. In fact, if you took away his eight unsuccessful half-court heave attempts, Johnson shot at a 35.0 percent clip.

The increase in volume and proficiency in 3-point shooting was quite remarkable from Johnson last season. Prior to debuting with the Heat, Johnson averaged 0.9 3-point attempts over his first 398 games. Last season alone, Johnson had 20 games where he attempted five or more 3-pointers. Furthermore, Johnson had 22 games in which he hit two or more 3-pointers, including a career-high six against the Charlotte Hornets.

However, as a low volume shooter from downtown prior to last season, Johnson had 23 games without hitting a 3-pointer, which naturally had a significant hit on his percentages. Moving forward, a goal of hitting 38 percent is certainly within Johnson’s capabilities. As Johnson explained in the midst of last season:

"“I worked on my game. I knew I had a three-point shot. But it also comes with confidence – confidence within, confidence from your coach and confidence from your team. I feel like everyone on this team and everybody on this staff has confidence that I work on my game enough that I can take those shots and it’s just paying off for me right now. That’s all.”"

With another summer of work, and continued improvement on his stroke, the Heat and Johnson will certainly be monitoring the situation with great anticipation.