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Cleveland Cavaliers: James Johnson would be the best addition to the Cavs

By Nathan Beighle

Jan 23, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) is pressured by Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Golden State Warriors 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) is pressured by Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Golden State Warriors 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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This free agency should be a good one for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they could subtly acquire one of the best free agents in James Johnson.

I don’t often love specific additions, but if the Cleveland Cavaliers were to add James Johnson, I would love it. Johnson would help the Cavaliers improve in the two areas that they lack most, bench production and defensive efficiency. Johnson would give the Cavaliers a suitable replacement for when LeBron takes a rest also. In the 2016-2017 season, Johnson appeared in 76 games for the Miami Heat and averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 steals and over a block and steal per game. Johnson is a solid 6-foot-9 small forward that can defend and shoot the long ball. While not an excellent outside shooter, Johnson would give the team a different look with his athleticism. Honestly, Johnson would basically be a better version of Derrick Williams.

In the 2016-2017 season, Johnson appeared in 76 games for the Miami Heat and averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 steals, and over a block and steal per game. Johnson is a solid 6-foot-9 small forward that can defend and shoot the long ball. While not an excellent outside shooter, Johnson would give the team a different look with his athleticism. Honestly, Johnson would basically be a better version of Derrick Williams.

The Cavaliers bench, who ranked dead last at 5.1 assists per game, could use another playmaker like Johnson. His presence would also be felt on the defensive end. The Cavaliers could use a lengthy small forward to help improve their sad 108.0 defensive rating, which was 22nd worst in the NBA. Johnson has several intangibles that he can bring, and being a jack-of-all-traits is a good thing in the modern day NBA.

There aren’t many players like Johnson out there, so clearing cap to free him up for a $8 million contract could be a seriously smart move by the Cavs. Before they think of this, they could start making some progress on finding a general manager.

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While I’m not sure all that is going on in the Cavaliers front office, the bottom line is still the same: James Johnson would be a terrific addition to this Cavs team.