Veteran small forward James Johnson is back with the Miami Heat after being banished for not meeting the team's conditioning requirements.
Johnson passed his conditioning test with Miami, but Heat president Pat Riley wanted the swingman to lower his weight and body fat.
Speaking to local reporters on Friday, Johnson said it felt good to be back with the Heat.
“It was Day 1 of earning my respect back,” Johnson said, per Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel. “It’s good to be back home. I got exactly what I needed; I got exactly what I needed to hear. Hopefully I can put it all behind me after this.”
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 overall and 33.6 percent from the 3-point line in 55 games.
Johnson will make $15.1 million with Miami this season. He has a player-option worth $15.8 million for next season.
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.
For that to happen, though, Johnson will have to play his role to a tee. The 32-year-old has career averages of 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
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