2. Restore confidence from 3-point range
While a number of areas let Johnson down last season, his efficiency from long range was certainly a glaring issue.
Never a noted shooter from downtown, Johnson reversed this trend in 2016-17, averaging 3.4 attempts per game from long distance, easily eclipsing his previous high of 1.7 per game. While he finished that season with a 34 percent return from long range, when you discount the eight half-court attempts he launched during the season, Johnson finished at a 35.1 percent clip, a more than serviceable return.
However, last season, Johnson went backwards in this area, finishing at just 30.8 percent clip on only 2.5 attempts per game. Given the manner in which the Heat have now structured their offense, having a confident and aggressive Johnson with the ball in his hands from long range is crucial in keeping the defense on its toes.
Overall, Johnson had 22 games in which he attempted just one triple or less, and furthermore had 39 games in which he didn’t connect at all from 3-point range. While he certainly has other strings to his bow on the offensive end, Johnson’s evolution as a player capable of converting from distance only made the Heat a more dangerous and versatile team.
Despite the drop in production, the one positive note was that the 31-year-old managed to convert at a commendable 35.3 percent clip on attempts considered wide open. Given this accounted for 1.9 attempts per game, it should give both Johnson and the Heat some comfort that last season’s struggles can be rectified moving forward.