Miami Heat: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Storyline 2: Can James Johnson continue to raise his game?

After signing a one-year, $4 million deal last offseason, James Johnson joined the Heat as a journeyman in desperate need of a sense of purpose and direction.

Fast forward the clock a year and the transformation of Johnson, both on an off the court, has been simply remarkable. After checking in at 274 pounds and 14.5 percent body fat upon arriving in Miami, Johnson had stripped down to 238 pounds and 6.75 percent body fat come midseason. The effects of this transformation were plain to see.

Averaging 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 27.4 minutes per game, Johnson put together a career-year, which resulted in him being rewarded with a four-year, $60 contract this past summer. Regarding the transformation in his body, and hence his game, Johnson noted last season:

"“I feel like that the more I lose the more I unleash skills that I didn’t think I was capable of having or doing.”"

One of those skills Johnson was referring to is his ability to bring the ball up the floor and initiate the offense. Entering last season with a career 1.5 assists per game average, Johnson had five games last season in which he dished out eight or more assists, including a season-high 12 against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat posted a 4-1 record over these games.

As a stretch-4 with the ability to defend a variety of players and hit the 3-ball, Johnson’s true potential shone in the final five games of the season when he was given the opportunity to start. Over these five games, Johnson averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 36.1 minutes per game. The Heat posted a 4-1 record during this time.

Moving forward, it appears as though Johnson has the full backing of the Heat coaching staff. Not only was he rewarded with a lucrative contract, but Spoelstra has kicked off the preseason action by having Johnson in the starting power forward role.

While it’s quite different playing an entire season in a starting role as opposed to a small sample size, the development Johnson displayed last season should certainly ensure this to be a smooth transition.