Don’t look now but last year’s punching bag is having a great year

Spurs Nation’s favorite, Keldon Johnson, is back at it—he’s playing well.

The usual object of scorn or ridicule, rarely the object of praise—Johnson, the enigmatic to the fans and wing for the Silver and Black, is quietly having a nice season so far.

He’s not shooting it well from long range, only 28%, but is playing a more complete game so far this year. It’s likely eased his mind that he no longer must be the focal point of the offense. He doesn’t even have to be the second in line. Being able to free-flow and play his game has left him in better control of it.

Johnson is playing with more patience

The combo player out of Kentucky is also older. He’s not old, per se, only 25, but he has some tread on his tires and is maturing as a player. He’s in his sixth year in the NBA, all wearing the silver and black.

This maturity has helped him take care of the basketball—very important to the Spurs' culture. His 0.8 turnovers per game are tied for the lowest of his career. The other season was his rookie year when he only played 17 games.

Johnson’s shot selection has been better. He’s shooting more shots from inside the arc this season—9.1 per 36 minutes—and making more, shooting 56% from two-point range.

The 6’5” former Kentucky Wildcat is averaging nearly one rebound more (7.5 to 6.7) per 36 minutes than he did last season as well. It’s clear that Keldon is letting the game come to him and not forcing his way onto the offensive stat sheet.

The Spurs are 18-17 through 35 games this season. They currently sit in ninth in the Western Conference standings. The time is now for management to decide if they’ll let this roster go for it or try to improve it to gain position.

Johnson, obviously, will be discussed, and rightfully so. He’s a versatile player with the ability to contribute from a starting position or the bench. Although still young, he’s a veteran in this league who has played multiple roles for this team over the course of his career. He’s got the ability to play various positions, and that's a valuable trait.

For all those reasons, he’d be an asset to any team in this league. Don’t forget his team-friendly contract either.

Johnson's nestled himself into a strong role with Spurs

He exudes what the Spurs preach. He plays multiple positions. He contributes to all areas. Like many of the Spurs role players of old, Keldon can be counted on to fill the points column when needed but can also be relied upon to bring his lunch pail to work and just do his job.

Keldon is a pillar in the San Antonio community. The Spurs are the only professional team in the city, and they do a lot for charity and community relations. Keldon is at the forefront of most of these events.

KJ is a leader. He’s the heart of this team, and the player fans think of most as being around through this entire rebuilding process, which isn’t done yet.

Johnson’s not going anywhere. He’s too valuable to this team and where it’s headed to offload him somewhere else. He’s rounding into his role as a do-it-all type player—exactly in the Spurs mold. As San Antonio rises to the top of the West, players like Johnson will be invaluable to that ascension.