He said even before the preseason that he was ready to come off the bench if necessary. But Keldon Johnson (1m96, 24 years old) should indeed appear in the Spurs major five. A very large five, with Jeremy Sochan as leader and Victor Wembanyama as strong winger!
The oldest player in the Texan locker room, in his fifth year with the Spurs, Johnson has experience to spare for his young teammates, having gone from rookie substitute to the team’s top scorer last season.
“I want to play simple”he nevertheless declared to The Athletic. “Do what the team needs. Defend of course and when I have an open shot, take it. Usually I would pick up speed and go for contact and end up at the throw line. »
More exposed against opposing defenses when he was propelled somewhat by chance into the number 1 offensive option for the Spurs last year, Johnson achieved his best career production, at 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. But at the cost of an address at half mast, because on a larger volume (33% at 3-points in particular).
“Last year, I progressed a lot”
In the attack clearly strengthened by the arrival of Wembanyama and the confirmation of the talent of Devin Vassell, Johnson should be able to rectify the situation and become even more effective in attack, with more space and movement.
“We are still looking for ourselves in attack. We discover every day how we want to play. Personally, I expect everything. I feel like I did what I needed to do over the summer to adapt to any situation, with or without the ball. I’m prepared to bring whatever happens. »
Ready to adapt to the new situation in San Antonio, with no less than eleven players under the age of 23, Johnson will in any case be one of the guarantors of the club’s identity.
Olympic gold medalist, in Popovich’s suitcases in Tokyo, the “Big Body” wants to prove that he can also provide leadership.
“Last year, I progressed a lot. I think I have progressed as a leader. It wasn’t the role I expected to take on but there have been changes. I took this role to heart, ready to learn and work. This season I want to show what I can do, but even more so to win matches. No matter where I play, I’m ready to win. I think I’m an important part of the team, on and off the field. I’m ready to start the season. »
| Keldon Johnson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | SAN | 17 | 18 | 59.6 | 59.1 | 79.5 | 0.6 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 9.1 |
| 2020-21 | SAN | 69 | 29 | 47.9 | 33.1 | 74.0 | 1.4 | 4.6 | 6.0 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 12.8 |
| 2021-22 | SAN | 75 | 32 | 46.6 | 39.8 | 75.6 | 1.1 | 5.0 | 6.1 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 17.0 |
| 2022-23 | SAN | 63 | 33 | 45.2 | 32.9 | 74.9 | 0.9 | 4.2 | 5.1 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 22.0 |
| Total | 224 | 30 | 46.8 | 36.3 | 75.2 | 1.1 | 4.5 | 5.6 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 16.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
