Veteran small forward James Johnson has met his conditioning requirement with the Miami Heat and returned to practice on Wednesday.
Johnson will travel with the Heat to Atlanta for Thursday's game against the Hawks:
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1189601266294546432
Johnson put up 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for the Heat last season. He shot 43.3 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from the 3-point line in 55 games.
Johnson will make $15.3 million with Miami this season. He has a player option worth over $16 million for next season, one which he will likely pick up.
The Heat missed the playoffs last year. However, after acquiring four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers this summer, Miami intends to get back to the postseason.
Johnson can help make that happen if he stays in shape and embraces his role. The 32-year-old has career averages of 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
The Heat are 3-1 on the young season. Johnson passed his conditioning test with Miami back in training camp, but Heat president Pat Riley wanted the veteran to lower his weight and body fat.
Johnson is looking to earn his respect back with the Heat. Now that he's in shape, the swingman can focus on basketball again and put his weight issues behind him.
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