The Miami Heat have signed Keshad Johnson to one of their three two-way contracts, continuing their tradition of discovering and developing undrafted talent.
Keshad Johnson: A Promising Newcomer
Johnson, who went undrafted after the NBA Draft, has quickly made an impression during the first three games of the Summer League. Known for finding diamonds in the rough, the Heat might have found another in Johnson, who is eager to prove himself as a “Heat Culture guy.”
“I’m a Heat culture guy,” Johnson told Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. “Throughout my career, I just want to keep making an emphasis that I’m willing to do everything, that I’m gritty. I just want that to be my identity. I just want to make an example of how much of a Heat culture guy that I am.”
Impressive Summer League Performance
Johnson, who spent four years at San Diego State before transferring to Arizona for his final college season, showcased his talent in the Summer League, particularly in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 21 points, made eight of his 14 shots, and added eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and three steals.
“K.J. [Johnson] from the beginning has been a consummate professional,” said Miami’s summer league head coach and player development coach Dan Bisaccio. “From the moment he got here, he’s just been an absolute workhorse behind the scenes. I mean, as soon as he gets in the gym, he’s high motor, high energy. He’s very much just a hard worker, wants to come in and do whatever is asked.”
Johnson’s standout performance was particularly special as it took place near his high school, allowing his family and friends to witness his success.
Following the Path of Heat Undrafted Standouts
Joining the ranks of undrafted players like Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin, and Haywood Highsmith, Johnson aims to make a significant impact. Signed alongside fellow undrafted free agents Zyon Pullin and Dru Smith, Johnson is eager to contribute to the Heat’s success.
The Right Mindset and Physical Attributes
At 23 years old, Johnson embodies the “Heat Culture” mentality, focusing on doing whatever it takes to win. Standing six feet, six inches tall, and weighing 224 pounds, he possesses an impressive wingspan and athleticism, making it surprising that he went undrafted.
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“I just try to do whatever it takes to win,” Johnson said. “I don’t like going outside the box. But I feel like I’m raw, I feel like I got a raw talent. I feel like there’s still a lot of stuff that’s unscratched. So you’ll see glimpses of me just doing stuff from instinct. That’s just what the game provided [Wednesday]. Just doing things that I know I’m capable of and everything that I haven’t really showcased throughout my whole college career. Just with the time of getting NBA development, I just keep getting better as a player overall.”
Johnson feels optimistic about his future with the Heat. “I wasn’t drafted, but everything worked out for the best,” he said. “As I prayed, I landed in the right spot, I feel like.”
As the season approaches, Johnson will continue honing his skills during the Summer League, starting with a game against the Boston Celtics this Saturday in the Las Vegas Summer League. His progress will determine the impact he can make on the Heat’s main roster.
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