2 days ago
Keshad Johnson has more to prove to Heat this offseason after rookie year of development
After going undrafted last year, forward Keshad Johnson did enough last summer to earn a spot on this past season's Miami Heat roster. Now, Johnson is hoping he did enough this past season to return to the Heat's roster next season.
The Heat has a few weeks to make a decision on Johnson's status, as he has a $2 million team option in his contract for this upcoming season. The Heat has until June 29 to decide on that team option, with Johnson becoming an unrestricted free agent if Miami chooses to bypass the option.
'I feel like I've grown mentally,' Johnson said of the steps forward he took as a rookie this past season. 'I've learned a lot about basketball, Xs and Os. Just being in the NBA, at first it started off fast. But it started to slow down as time got going. Just getting comfortable. Skill-wise, I feel like the mental aspect of learning cheat codes and things like that.'
Johnson's rookie season turned into a developmental season after going undrafted out of Arizona last year.
Johnson impressed in the G League with averages of 17.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game with the Heat's developmental affiliate (the Sioux Falls Skyforce) this past season.
But Johnson's NBA playing time with the Heat was limited, appearing in just 16 NBA games as a rookie this past regular season. He logged double-digit minutes in only three of those 16 NBA regular-season appearances.
'The biggest challenge is just staying ready, always staying ready,' said Johnson, who turns 24 on June 23. 'Human nature tells you to relax and things like that. So trying to stay disciplined, always staying ready for my opportunity, being ready to go from zero to 100. Not playing here and playing 100 there in the G League and everything like that. So that has just been a challenge. I pretty much feel like I've excelled in doing that.'
Johnson (6-foot-7 and 225 pounds) projects to be a physical and athletic three-and-D forward who fits the Heat's switching defense because of his versatility on that end of the court. As part of the Heat's developmental plan for Johnson, he was used as a small-ball center for extended stretches in the G League this past season.
'I fit in with just the heart aspect of Heat culture,' Johnson said when asked how he fits the Heat's defensive scheme. 'Everybody out here is able to make winning plays. I can fit right in making winning plays along with everybody else.'
While the Heat has a decision to make on Johnson's future with the team this month, the expectation is he will be part of the organization's summer league team for the second straight year. Johnson helped the Heat win the Las Vegas Summer League championship last year.
'It's just always good learning how the business works, learning how to keep your mental right, learning how to expect the unexpected and things of that nature,' Johnson said of his rookie season. 'Going back down [to the G League], staying ready, it all builds character. So I feel like my character has grown a lot, starting on a two-way and also getting a contract. I feel like this year has tested my character a lot.'
Johnson started this past season on a two-way contract before being promoted to a standard deal this past December. Johnson will soon find out if the Heat wants to continue its investment in him next season.
'They wouldn't do that if they didn't believe in me,' Johnson said of his mid-season promotion to a standard contract. 'So I just got to prove them right. Prove that I'm worthwhile and I can impact the game and help the team in any way I can.'
SUMMER CAMP
Jr. HEAT Summer Camp begins the week of June 9 at two different locations (S.L.A.M. Miami High School and Cooper City High School) for boys and girls ages 7-17 of all abilities and skill levels.
'Our camps focus on both improving individual basketball skills and off the court character development,' the Heat's description of the camp reads. 'Campers will participate in a variety of competitions, fundamental drills, and games. .... One day out of the week, we get a current Heat player or Heat Legend to visit camp, take pictures and sign autographs with the kids. Lunch is included and the campers will receive giveaways daily.'
Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. will visit the camp at Slam Miami High School and Cooper City High School during the week of June 9.
Registration for Jr. HEAT Summer Camp can be found at
