The Miami Heat have been without versatile forward James Johnson to start the season, but he's finally returning to the court Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers:
James Johnson is back for Heat.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) November 18, 2018
Spoelstra says James Johnson will be on some type of minutes restriction. "We'll ease him back into this.."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) November 18, 2018
Johnson underwent surgery for a sports hernia back in May. He initially was expected to be ready for training camp, but the recovery went slower than expected.
The 31-year-old has played the best basketball of his career in Miami after bouncing around the league a bit. The Chicago Bulls selected Johnson with the 16th pick of the 2009 NBA Draft, and he has also spent time with the Toronto Raptors (twice), Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies.
James Johnson joined the Heat on a one-year deal in 2016 and promptly enjoyed the best season of his career, posting averages of 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 27.4 minutes per game. He was rewarded with a four-year, $60 million deal after that fine campaign, and he put up similarly stellar averages of 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists last season.
Johnson's return will be very welcome for a Heat team that has struggled out of the gate this season. Miami is just 6-9 and coming off a 99-91 loss to the Indiana Pacers. The 6-foot-8 forward should provide a jolt of energy on both ends of the floor as the Heat look to turn things around and get back in the playoff picture.
Unfortunately, a nagging injury to Goran Dragic isn't helping matters. Dragic is out Sunday and could miss more time.
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