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Miami Heat: 3 goals for James Johnson in 2018-19

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Reestablish his defensive identity

It was clear early in the season that Johnson wasn’t his usual self. Following an ineffective five-point, two-rebound performance in 27 minutes during a home loss to the Washington Wizards, Johnson noted the following:

Stating that he was frustrated after just his 13th game of the season was unusual. However, given the revelations that Johnson played a significant chuck of the season with a hernia injury, these sentiments are understandable.

In 2016-17, Johnson held his direct opponent to 40.5 percent shooting from the field, which was an excellent 4.8 percent below the league average at that position. However last season, Johnson’s direct opponent shot at a 45.2 percent clip, clearly a significant difference.

At 6’8″ and possessing a terrific combination of size and athleticism, Johnson’s overall aggressive nature combined with his basketball instincts means he possesses all the traits to be a force at the defensive end of the floor.

The following clip from the recent postseason is a prime example of just what Johnson can bring the Heat at the defensive end:

However, with a career-low of 0.9 blocks per-36 minutes, it was plain to see that aside from a select few performances, Johnson was simply not the same player last season. In looking ahead to 2018-19, regaining his edge at this end of the floor should naturally be a high priority for Johnson and the Heat.

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