The most surprising player from each NBA team this season
By Connor Learn
Miami Heat: James Johnson
The Heat have now won ten straight games. Though the rise of Dion Waiters is a larger factor than James Johnson’s play, Johnson’s play has been even more unexpected. He is a 29-year-old who can be considered a journeyman at this point in his career, and really, most previous points too. A one-time first round pick by the Chicago Bulls, Johnson hasn’t stuck with one team for more than two seasons in his career. When the Heat signed Johnson to a one-year, $4 million dollar deal this summer, he joined his sixth team in eight years.
He has greatly exceeded low expectations, however. Johnson has went from borderline NBA player to the poor man’s Lamar Odom in Miami this season and is a big reason behind their success. Though Luke Babbitt usually starts at power forward for the Heat, Johnson plays nearly starter minutes there. He’s averaging career highs of 11.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game for the suddenly resurgent Heat. It is a deep year for the Sixth Man of the Year Award, but Johnson deserves some consideration.
Johnson and the Heat may continue this recent hot streak and get back to the playoffs. The Heat had a Chris Bosh sized hole to fill at power forward, and few expected Johnson to fill the spot capably. This season should validate Johnson’s unique talents. He’s outplayed expectations and will play himself into a better contract this summer.