NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Miami Heat

3. The Heat have to decide between Johnson and Waiters

Pat Riley has an extremely tough decision in the offseason; he will have to decide between James Johnson and Dion Waiters.

Both Johnson and Waiters signed one-year deals to come down to Miami and try to fight their way back to relevance. Johnson signed a $5 million dollar contract and Waiters was signed to the veteran minimum. For Waiters, this was a big adjustment considering he turned down more money elsewhere in search of a bigger contract. When that failed, Waiters ventured down to Miami to give his career a much-needed lift.

Johnson was a great addition to the Heat’s bench and played exceedingly well next to Tyler Johnson, the Heat’s guard of the future. Whenever the Heat looked sluggish on offense or just needed a simple pick-me-up, the Johnson’s would provide what was necessary.

Waiters was not supposed to fill the void of Dwyane Wade, but he sure tried his hardest. Granted, no one can fill the emotional and physical role of Dwyane Wade in Miami, yet Waiters found his voice this season and he gave Miami what they needed: hope. Hope that there was a future beyond Dwyane Wade. Hope that not everything was lost. Hope that the Heat could play together.

Riley has the option to sign back Waiters and Johnson in the offseason. That has been the least favorable option among Heat fans because everyone wants Riley to go after his offseason “whale.” Both players had career years and spending on both, expecting them to continue to play this well is probably not a great idea. Pick one, and choose wisely.