Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 NBA Offseason: Free Agents Orlando Magic should target

By Muhammed Jumani

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: George Hill #3 and Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz calls for a foul during a 99-91 LA Clippers win in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: George Hill #3 and Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz calls for a foul during a 99-91 LA Clippers win in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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James Johnson, Miami Heat, Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic
MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 13: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during a game against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena on February 13, 2017 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. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

James Johnson, Miami Heat

James Johnson was often desperately looking for playing time with the Toronto Raptors. He finally got his chance with the Miami Heat, where he signed a one-year deal last offseason. He proved he is a very good two-way player in the NBA and can contribute consistently.

He was a great spark off the bench for Miami and played a huge role in the team’s turnaround. The 11-30 start quickly went away as the Heat went 30-11 for the second half of the season. They barely missed the playoffs by a half game.

Johnson averaged 12.8 points per game on 48 percent shooting. He also grabbed 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He is a multi-faceted player with size to play the 3 or the 4 on defense. His shooting is not super impressive, but Johnson will play and work hard. He might be a great pair with Jonathan Isaac off the bench.

The most impressive stat Johnson posted was his average of 1.0 steals per game and 1.1 blocks per game. He was one of only 17 players in the NBA who were in that illustrious company.

It seems at this point, James Johnson is a par tof the Heat’s plan. And it feels like he is going to wait out the Gordon Hayward decision and see what Miami has planned for him. But he has interest in several places throughout the league.