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In a Reduced Role, Spurs' Keldon Johnson Ready to Improve
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- In a Reduced Role, Spurs' Keldon Johnson Ready to Improve
Keldon Johnson is no stranger to shifting roles. In his seven seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, he's gone from G League staple to starter to leading scorer to third-option, reluctantly to the bench, and then finally getting his flowers as Sixth Man of the Year last season.
Johnson has made it clear that the move to the bench was initially seen as a slight, although as team success piled up, he managed to change his tune, eventually fully embracing the role.
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Heading into his eighth NBA season, though, his role is once again expected to change. Dervin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and now Tobias Harris are ahead of him on the depth chart, and Carter Bryant is also expected to break out. Knowing he's facing another role reduction, Johnson is aware that he can only control what he can control, and knows he needs to stay ready for when his number is called.
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Keldon Johnson Makes Body Change Before Season
Fans may have heard this in seasons past, but Keldon Johnson has lost weight.
He's always been a burly player who uses his size and strength to create space, get to the rim, and compete for rebounds. In the summer of 2024, he reportedly lost around 30 pounds, although he gained the weight back over the season. This time, he's less concerned about keeping the weight off and more focused on playing his best.
"I think one thing Keldon has proved over time is that regardless of his weight, I don't think anybody would ever have perceived him as lacking strength," offered head coach Mitch Johnson.
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"And that's probably part functional, part on the individual. And so I think it's just something for him where, if you still have that strength, and maybe you're a little leaner or more mobile to play laterally, or more explosive vertically, or in better fitness to play longer, whatever it may be. It's hard to think that there aren't more positives than negatives. And I think, again, the energy that he's playing at right now is an example and a reflection of that."
In the preseason, Johnson averaged 19.9 minutes per game. Of course, preseason minutes should be taken with a grain of salt, but that's still his lowest mark since his rookie season.
For him, though, it's about maximizing the minutes he can get.
"All-around game, I'm faster, just as strong," Keldon explained. "I feel like it's just staying at this weight and staying disciplined is the most important thing. And I feel like I can do that. Obviously, I was a little bit heavier last year, but I like where I'm at. As I said, I'm moving good, my body feels good. And, overall, I just feel like I'm a better player when I'm lighter."
The Spurs will open their season on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Johnson will come off the bench, offering a spark of energy.
