When it comes to guard Tyler Johnson, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra did not dodge one of the biggest decisions of the team's offseason.

"He makes you re-sign him," Spoelstra said as part of his daily video posts on the team's website.

Johnson signed a four-year, $50 million offer sheet with the Brooklyn Nets last month that was matched by the Heat amid question of Johnson's ultimate upside, with less than two seasons of NBA experience.

Spoelstra was effusive about Johnson's possibilities.

"He makes you watch him," he 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.

CAPTION Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra discusses what the team's bench brought after the Heat's 116-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra discusses what the team's bench brought after the Heat's 116-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. CAPTION Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra discusses what the team's bench brought after the Heat's 116-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra discusses what the team's bench brought after the Heat's 116-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. CAPTION Miami Heat All-Star guard Dwyane Wade talks about what's clicking between him and point guard Goran Dragic. Miami Heat All-Star guard Dwyane Wade talks about what's clicking between him and point guard Goran Dragic. CAPTION Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic on adapting his game to involve more of an outside shot as he gets older. Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic on adapting his game to involve more of an outside shot as he gets older. CAPTION Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra discusses his team's win over the Charlotte Hornets. Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra discusses his team's win over the Charlotte Hornets. CAPTION Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade talks about giving what he could to help his team beat the Charlotte Hornets. Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade talks about giving what he could to help his team beat the Charlotte Hornets.

"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."

Even with the free-agency loss of Wade, Johnson sets up as a longshot for the Heat's starting lineup, unless Bosh is unable to play and Justise Winslow has to move into the power rotation.

"And, again, with Tyler, I'm not going to put a ceiling on him," Spoelstra said. "Because of his competitiveness, and because of his work ethic, his commitment to want to be great, who knows where he can be this year?"

The Heat open training camp Sept. 27.

iwinderman@sunsentinel.com. Follow him at twitter.com/iraheatbeat or facebook.com/ira.winderman