NBA Veteran Believes Ja Morant Could Thrive with Miami Heat

Joe Johnson says Morant would benefit from Pat Riley's mentorship

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:33pm

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Former NBA player Joe Johnson believes that star point guard Ja Morant would excel if he was traded to the Miami Heat in the offseason. Johnson cited Heat team president Pat Riley's ability to connect with players one-on-one as a key reason why Morant could reach new heights under Riley's guidance.

Why it matters

Morant is one of the NBA's most exciting young talents, but has faced off-court issues that have threatened to derail his career. A move to the well-run Heat organization could provide the structure and mentorship Morant needs to reach his full potential.

The details

Johnson praised Riley's direct approach in meeting with players, saying 'he's going to have a real sit down 1 on 1 with him. He does that with everybody. It's going to be something in that meeting you'll be able to take, and run with.' Johnson believes that if Morant 'applies' the lessons from Riley, 'the sky will be the limit for this kid again.'

  • The comments were made on the @NightcapShow_ podcast on March 29, 2026.

The players

Ja Morant

A star point guard in the NBA who has faced off-court issues that have threatened to derail his career.

Pat Riley

The team president of the Miami Heat, known for his direct approach in mentoring players.

Joe Johnson

A former NBA player who believes Morant would thrive under Riley's guidance in Miami.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to lie, I think he would thrive in that Miami situation. One thing about Pat Riley, he's going to have a real sit down 1 on 1 with him. He does that with everybody. It's going to be something in that meeting you'll be able to take, and run with. All you got to do is apply it. If you apply it, I promise you the sky will be the limit for this kid again.”

— Joe Johnson, Former NBA Player

“I want to see Ja back out there throwing grenades, covering his ears... I never went to the club when I played for the Heat. We worked so hard I couldn't wait to go lay down.”

— Joe Johnson, Former NBA Player

What’s next

If Morant were to be traded to the Heat, it would likely happen during the upcoming NBA offseason.

The takeaway

This commentary from veteran Joe Johnson suggests that the Miami Heat organization, led by team president Pat Riley, could provide the structure and mentorship that Ja Morant needs to reach his full potential as an NBA superstar and overcome his recent off-court issues.