Heat’s James Johnson wants to ‘build an empire’ in Miami by Wes Goldberg

Despite ending 2016-17 by going 30-11 and having a successful offseason, the Miami Heat are still being counted out.

One thing is clear going into the 2017-18 NBA season: no one believes in the Miami Heat.

Except for the organization itself and the ever-committed fanbase, that is.

It doesn’t matter that the team finished last year out by turning an 11-30 record into a 30-11 streak. Or the fact that they only missed the playoffs on a technicality. Both of which came after losing both Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, and harboring an inordinate amount of injuries.

It’s not like the front office struck gold during the draft either. Bam Adebayo is only a 6-foot-10 swingman out of the University of Kentucky, who averaged 13.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks a game. I mean, what’s to love about a big man who can shoot?

Nevermind president Pat Riley being able to bring back James Johnson and Dion Waiters, both of whom were major reasons for the team’s mid-season turnaround. While Johnson averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 blocks per contest off the bench, his offensive numbers jumped to an average of 14.3 points during the month of March, and 16.7 points in six April games.

Only proving that Johnson has yet to reach his ceiling.

As for Waiters, he split time as a starter and a backup, having averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists a matchup. Numbers showcasing Waiters playing the best basketball of his life. He is only going to become more effective with time, too. Because the potential was always there. He simply needed to be brought into the right system, surrounded by people who had full confidence in him. As much confidence as he has in himself.

And you better believe that’s exactly what he’s found in Miami, between his teammates, Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra.

The Heat also acquired Kelly Olynyk, a guy who many hate as a competitor but adore to play alongside of. Don’t let that man bun and overgrown goatee fool you: the former Boston Celtic is a force to be reckoned with. Having averaged 9.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists a game last year, his numbers don’t tell the full story. Like many of this current Miami squad, what he brings to the table goes beyond straight stats. Olynyk possesses not just physical toughness, but mental strength as well. He shows fortitude. And has the drive to win at any cost.

All traits that Miami Heat Basketball is built around.

And don’t worry, Olynyk’s numbers will grow too. Because under this coaching staff, development is a given.

There is also Okaro White’s summer league performance to take note of.

In Orlando, White averaged 19.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest in four games. And he stayed consistent in Las Vegas too: White put up 18.0 points and 8.3 rebounds a matchup in three games.

Quite an impressive run for a guy just having found his footing in the league.

Yet, the Heat are still being overlooked.

While currently, Miami’s Vegas Line stands at 40, many have the team finishing lower. Take CBS’ Colin Ward-Henninger, who has the Heat winning just 37 games. Despite going 41-41 last year, after a tremendously rocky start. Similarly, ESPN predicts them finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference,

Miami is also not featured on the NBA’s nationally televised opening-week schedule. Nor do they get to play on Christmas Day, for the second season in a row. With the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks being highlighted instead.

And although the league hasn’t released the 2017-18 schedule in its entirety, it seems unlikely that the Heat will be televised nationally too many times.

In a way, perhaps this is all for the best. After all, this is a group of guys that thrives on being perceived as underdogs. No one believed they could see success after starting last season 11-30, even calling on them to tank moving forward. But the team wanted no part in that. Instead, they kept their heads down. Worked harder. Kept the faith.

So keep hating, haters. The Miami Heat don’t care. Because it’s not in their culture. There are no fake gym rats here.