Detroit Pistons: 5 ‘Bad Boys’ who would fit in with the franchise

5. James Johnson (Miami Heat)

James Johnson is a journeyman pro, having played for five teams in nine NBA seasons. Johnson was almost out of the league a few years ago, but then he transformed his body and turned himself into a valuable asset.

Now, at 31 years old, he appears to be peaking as a player.

Last season, Johnson averaged 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while making a career-high 41 starts for a playoff team in Miami. His last two seasons with the Heat have been the only two of his career in which he’s been a double-digit scorer. Johnson is also lauded for his ability to defend multiple positions.

But it isn’t even Johnson’s basketball skill that makes him the prototypical Piston. It’s the fact that he is a legit, real-life tough guy off the court.

Johnson is a second-degree black belt in karate who was a competitive kickboxer and MMA fighter before turning his focus to basketball. He reportedly has a 20-0 kickboxing record and is 7-0 in MMA contests.

There’s a good reason why you haven’t seen Johnson get involved in a lot of physical altercations during his NBA career. It’s because — save for a few daredevils — everyone in the league knows better.