Spoelstra sings Johnson's praises: 'He makes you re-sign him'
The Miami Heat need guard Tyler Johnson to live up to head coach Erik Spoelstra's expectations, especially now that cornerstone Dwyane Wade is with the Chicago Bulls.
"He makes you re-sign him," Spoelstra said of Johnson, according to the Sun Sentinal's Ira Winderman.
Had the Heat kept Wade, perhaps Johnson wouldn't even be part of the current roster. The Brooklyn Nets signed the 24-year-old to a four-year, $50-million offer sheet, which Miami matched to help fill the void left by the departing 12-time All-Star.
Related: Heat's Johnson 'threw up a couple of times' hearing free-agent offer
Johnson only has 68 career appearances over the course of two seasons, but even so, Spoelstra knows the type of competitor he is, and is happy to have that kind of player at his disposal.
"He makes you watch him," Spoelstra said. "He makes you play him. He makes you re-sign him. He's a force of nature out there. He doesn't do everything perfectly by the script, and that's what I love about Tyler. He's an ultimate competitor. He finds a way."
He's got an incredible work ethic. I think that's why the Heat fan base loves Tyler so much, and they should. He's reflective of the work ethic of this community. He puts in the time. And he's tireless with his work ethic. He's coachable. He has a great desire to get better. And he's turned himself into a heck of a pro."
Johnson missed a good chunk of the 2015-16 regular season after undergoing shoulder surgery in February. He averaged career highs nearly across the board - in minutes (24), points (8.7), field-goal percentage (48.8), rebounds (three), assists (2.2), and rejections (0.4) across 36 appearances.
He'll compete with sophomore Josh Richardson and newly signed Wayne Ellington to be the starter at shooting guard.