Heat Notes: Johnson, Draft, Bench

It is unclear how long Tyler Johnson will be out after suffering a strained left shoulder, and if he misses two more games the Heat would be allowed to add another player, Ira Winderman of Sun Sentinel relays. This is the same shoulder that bothered Johnson last season and held him out of more than half of last season’s games. He is listed as day-to-day and missed Saturday’s game. With Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Josh McRoberts and Chris Bosh also unavailable to the team, the Heat last week were granted a roster exemption to add Okaro White on a 10-day contract, as Winderman notes. Guard Briante Weber is a name to watch, Winderman writes, if the Heat get another spot.

Here is more out of Miami:

  • James Johnson, whom Miami signed to a one-year pact over the summer, has developed into an asset off the bench with improved 3-point shooting, passing ability and consistency, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. Johnson should see plenty of interest from teams after reducing his body fat and becoming more athletic, which has led to the standout season, Jackson adds.
  • Despite the injuries, the Heat are evidently not playing for a lottery spot and have been rolling lately. A significant reason for Miami’s three-game winning streak is the play on both ends of the court by guard Dion Waiters, as Winderman notes (video link). With making the playoffs still unlikely, Winderman surmises that the Heat at least offered a glimpse at what could have been or, perhaps, into the future.
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