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Joe Johnson 'rejuvenated' by fresh start with Heat

Mike Stobe / Getty Images Sport / Getty

After spending the first three quarters of the season toiling away for the listless Nets in Brooklyn, it's no wonder Joe Johnson's first few days in Miami have been a breath of fresh air.

"I feel rejuvenated. I love this fresh start," Johnson said Wednesday of his first two games with Heat, who sit fourth-place in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.

Johnson, who entered 2015-16 having made the playoffs in each of his last eight seasons, has certainly performed like a rejuvenated star since being bought out by the cellar dwelling Nets.

Albeit in an extremely small sample size, the 34-year-old, seven-time All-Star has averaged 18 points, four rebounds, and 3.5 assists on an effective field goal percentage of 71.7 in his two games with Miami - both Heat wins.

Considering how poorly Johnson has played and shot the ball thus far this season, any signs of progression - even in a two-game sample - are encouraging.

Even more encouraging is how impressive the Heat have performed, and how spry Johnson has looked, in smaller, quicker lineups that feature him in the frontcourt as opposed to the backcourt.

If Johnson can continue to play anywhere near this level while helping the Heat make another postseason run, perhaps the pending free agent will be able to cash in one more time this summer after all.

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