Heat news: James Johnson tells critics to doubt him, Dion Waiters at their own risk

Miami Heat forward James Johnson says critics should doubt him and Dion Waiters at their own risk.

Miami Heat players James Johnson and Dion Waiters have a chip on their collective shoulder heading into the 2019-20 NBA season.

Miami is heading into the next season with a revamped team headlined by four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler. Meanwhile, James Johnson missed significant time for the Heat last season, only appearing in 55 games after breaking through in South Beach the previous two seasons.

Between Johnson and Waiters, who appeared in 44 games last season, there's plenty left to prove in their return to the hardwood.

Via Anthony Chiang in the Miami Herald:

“Dion is adamant about his and I’m more silent,” Johnson said. “We’ve been grinding and we’ve been working together on and off. I feel like he’s ready. He looks the best that I’ve seen since he’s been a Miami Heat. And I’m healthy. Like he said — doubt at your own risk.”

Johnson, 32, averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 43.3% from the field, 33.6% from 3-point range, and 71.4% from the free-throw line in 2018-19. The Heat will need Johnson's dynamic playmaking ability for a power forward to continue making wavelengths in the increasingly long and large NBA. With a healthy JJ, Miami could be primed for a rebound season after nearly trading Goran Dragic and Kelly Olynyk and instead parting with center Hassan Whiteside, who will see his minutes as the starting center replaced by Bam Adebayo.

Waiters, 27, is entering his fourth season with the Florida franchise, and his role will certainly be scrutinized following Butler's arrival. It's unclear at the moment whether head coach Erik Spoelstra plans to start Waiters alongside Butler or if Dion will be utilized as a scoring piece off the bench.