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Keshad Johnson: After the game on Tuesday, the vibes were high in the locker room. The energy. It was all smiles everywhere. For us young guys, we were just glad to be in the presence of greatness. During the whole game, he wasn’t really expressive emotionally. He was staying even-keeled; that’s who he is. Bam is level-headed with everything, and he’s a workhorse every single day. In my opinion, nobody deserves this more than him. I’ve consistently been in one-on-one workouts with Bam. I know how hard he works. I know what he puts into the game. I’ve watched it firsthand.
Do you believe Mac McClung's claim that other players avoided the contest because of his participation? Keshad Johnson: I absolutely believe that, absolutely believe that. When it comes to the dunk contest, Mac got it. Mac got it. He has everything you need. So maybe some people don't want to be discouraged or something like that, so that's probably why Mac said that. I believe that's true wholeheartedly for guys, that are... I wouldn't say scared to fail... but guys that just don't see themselves overcoming that and being No 1. So yeah, that's for sure true.
How does your upcoming restricted free agency fuel your motivation and approach to the game this season? Keshad Johnson: I would say it's absolutely a fire. It's a dog-eat-dog world; it's a business at the end of the day. Contracts expire, contracts get extended. We all know what that's about. So of course there's a fire that's lit, but I try to cast all my anxieties onto the Lord. Like, not to worry about it. My playtime is in the coach's hands, is in the organization's hands, whether they'll resign me or not, that's in their hands. I just gotta put my best foot forward and pray that I'm doing all the right things. So I'm just trying to show them that I'm here, I'm trying to be here to stay and whether I'm with the Heat for the rest of my career or not, I would also want to make a lasting impact so that whoever comes to the Heat and asks about me, the Heat have nothing but positive things to say about me whether it's on the court or off the court.
Who is your basketball GOAT, and why? KJ: Who's my GOAT and why? So I would say my GOAT is LeBron James, hands down. I shouldn't be saying it cause he's still in the league and everything, but LeBron is absolutely my GOAT. I became a fan of LeBron growing up. I'm the youngest of my sibling and I remember my dad giving me a LeBron folder, and he gave my brother a Kobe Bryant folder so from there the rivalry automatically started, and from then it's just been absolute greatness since I've been alive. He has been doing exactly what he is doing now for 20-plus years, so I would say LeBron from the consistency standpoint and just the basketball IQ. Like the man, he is a freak of nature. So yeah, I got LeBron hands down over anybody for me.
Anthony Chiang: Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Keshad Johnson, Jahmir Young and Terry Rozier remain out for the Heat tomorrow vs. Wizards. Kel’el Ware is questionable due to a right shoulder strain he suffered in yesterday’s win.
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Anthony Chiang: Heat will remain without Simone Fontecchio (groin), Norman Powell (groin), Nikola Jovic (back), Keshad Johnson (G League), Jahmir Young (G League) and Terry Rozier (not with team) for tomorrow's home game vs. Pistons. Andrew Wiggins (knee) is questionable.
Anthony Chiang: Simone Fontecchio ruled out for tomorrow’s game vs. Nets because of a left groin strain. Heat also remains without Nikola Jovic, Norman Powell, Vlad Goldin, Keshad Johnson, Trevor Keels and Terry Rozier.
Ira Winderman: Heat injury report for Thursday vs. visiting Nets: Out: Norman Powell (groin), Simone Fontecchio (groin), Nikola Jovic (back), Vlad Goldin (G League), Trevor Keels (G League), Keshad Johnson (G League), Terry Rozier (not with team). All others listed as available.
Anthony Chiang: Davion Mitchell (left shoulder contusion) is listed as questionable for tomorrow's home game vs. Nets. Keshad Johnson (G League) is out. Norman Powell, Nikola Jovic, Vlad Goldin, Trevor Keels and Terry Rozier remain out.
Anthony Chiang: Tyler Herro, Norman Powell and Keshad Johnson all now listed as available for tonight's game vs. Hawks in Atlanta. Only Heat standard contract player out is Terry Rozier.
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Ira Winderman: The Heat formally are listing Tyler Herro (ribs) as probable to return Friday in Atlanta. Norman Powell (back) and Keshad Johnson (calf) listed as questionable. Only player listed as out is Terry Rozier. All two-way players currently listed as with Heat (Goldin, Young, Keels).
Marc J. Spears: Miami #Heat forward @kj_showtime0 was awarded a Proclamation from Oakland @mayorbarbarale and City Council members today at Oakland City Hall after winning the #NBA Dunk Contest on Sunday. #TownBiz
