Keldon Johnson is proving undeniable fact Spurs fans have known for years

NBA analyst Bill Simmons recently said what every San Antonio Spurs fan already knows about Keldon Johnson: that he's become a crucial locker room piece despite playing less of an on-court role.

"Keldon Johnson's like the emotional fulcrum of their team," Simmons said. "They love him. He's like the guy in that team, and it's like if you're making a big trade for somebody with them, him and Barnes have to be in it, and I think that's two huge locker room guys for them. I don't see them doing anything."

Johnson has had a very interesting career arc thus far. In his rookie year, which was eventually cut short due to COVID, Keldon looked like a breakout star in the making. He elevated himself to the level of a 22-points per game scorer by the 2022-23 season, then was forced to take a step back once the team drafted Victor Wembanyama and the roster got a lot deeper. But the thing is, he's embraced every step of his journey.

The willingness to adapt is exactly why Johnson still matters so much to this group. His role has shifted from featured scorer to energy driver, and he's accepted it without resistance. Coming off the bench, he brings physicality and a willingness to do the dirty work that younger players are still learning how to embrace.

Keldon Johnson still matters tremendously in San Antonio

San Antonio’s development curve has not been linear, but that's natural. The Spurs are balancing patience with accountability, and Johnson fits squarely into that balance. He understands what it takes to survive tough seasons, and he also understands what winning habits look like, even when the standings don't reflect them yet.

Johnson is often the first to stand up for a teammate and to celebrate small wins. That's the kind of stuff that doesn't show up in a box score, but it changes how a young team handles adversity. This matters tremendously for a franchise that values culture as much as it does talent.

Keeping Keldon is also just about practicality. Not every roster spot can be about upside alone. Teams need connective tissue and guys who keep standards intact while roles evolve. Johnson has become that bridge, linking the early rebuilding years to what San Antonio hopes is a more competitive future.

Moving Johnson wouldn't just be a basketball decision, it would be a cultural one. The Spurs know how rare it is to find a player who accepts change without losing their identity. As San Antonio continues to build itself back to the level of a true championship contender, Keldon will never be as important as he was three years ago again. But his value has shifted to something deeper, and this team is far better with him than it is without him.