Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson will undergo surgery on his left shoulder this week and will likely miss more than two months, league sources told The Vertical.
Johnson’s final timetable to return will be set after surgery.
Johnson visited an orthopedic surgeon on Sunday, when it was determined he would undergo surgery. He strained the shoulder in mid-December and has tried to play through the injury.
Johnson, 23, was a vital part of coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation this season, averaging 8.7 points, three rebounds, 2.2 assists and 24 minutes in 36 games (five starts). The 6-foot-4 Johnson also shot 48.8 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from 3-point range.
The loss of Johnson will affect the Heat’s depth, playmaking and athleticism. Josh Richardson, a rookie guard from Tennessee, is expected to see increased minutes for Miami, which is 27-21.
Johnson went undrafted in 2014 out of Fresno State, but used the summer league and the NBA Development League to establish himself as an NBA rotation player. He’ll be a restricted free agent in July and will command interest on a multi-year deal.
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