ORLANDO, Fla. — After a productive begin to the season, Miami Warmth Rookie ahead Keshad Johnson signed an ordinary two-year contract with the group on Thursday.
Johnson initially signed a two-way contract with the Warmth after going undrafted out of Arizona. He turned the favourite to be upgraded to an ordinary contract following two-way guard Dru Smith’s season-ending Achilles damage. They signed Isaiah Stevens within the two-way spot vacated by Johnson.
The 23-year-old was a standout performer with the Warmth within the NBA Summer time League and is off to a great begin within the G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He was grateful to be rewarded with a brand new contract after starting his profession with the group.
“Being right here with the Miami Warmth “It speaks louder than being in some other group,” Johnson mentioned Thursday. “Simply with the ability to begin my profession right here and show that I’m right here to remain.”
Johnson is averaging 21.2 factors, 8.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals on 39.6 p.c capturing from 3-point vary in 13 appearances with the Skyforce. He’s thirteenth within the G League in scoring amongst gamers with at the least 10 appearances and 18th in rebounds.
He was named G League Participant of the Week for video games performed between November 25 and December. 1, averaging 30 factors, eight rebounds and one help. He turned one in every of 5 G League gamers to document at the least 30 factors and 10 rebounds in a recreation after reaching that mark on November 29.
“KJ performed numerous totally different roles for us there (with Sioux Falls), taking part in 4, velocity 5, switching,” Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned. “He additionally performs base coverages. He does issues in a task that may very well be transferable to our crew as nicely. We’re actually completely satisfied along with his growth and this determination to proceed this relationship. I am actually completely satisfied for him and Isaiah – – each guys deserved it.”
Johnson has been among the many finest first-year gamers within the G League up to now and has been rewarded with an ordinary contract. The group has had success growing prospects in Sioux Falls, with Johnson being the newest to learn from its program.
Over time, the Warmth have usually rewarded their high prospects who decide to enhancing on and off the courtroom. After signing a brand new contract, Johnson appears to proceed growing his all-around recreation and set up himself as a key participant inside the group.
“The following part of growth simply continues to show the whole lot I’ve been constructing on,” Johnson mentioned. “From Summer time League to right here and proving that I could be within the rotation and keep within the rotation.”
This text was initially revealed on Rookie Wire: Warmth information: Keshad Johnson reacts to signing a brand new 2-year contract
