Keldon Johnson brings something the Spurs can’t afford to lose

Keldon Johnson’s role elasticity has turned him into one of the most underrated players in the NBA. He’s putting up 13.5 PPG through the season off the reserves and has also been a rebounding demon, snatching down nearly six per game. That's one of the best marks for any bench forward in the Association.

The Sixth Man of the Year noise is real right now for KJ. According to FanDuel, he has the second-shortest odds at +280. Of course, that hardware would be nice, but it doesn't seem that an individual trophy is the biggest thing on his mind...

See, that's the mindset that's made Spurs fans fall in love with him through the years.

It wasn't always like this for Keldon

There's nothing better than unselfishness in this league. That is the absolute best way to describe Johnson. He's molded himself into the perfect complementary piece, stepping into a role that's been compatible with Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and De'Aaron Fox.

But let's not forget, in his earlier days in San Antonio, KJ was featured as more of a lead shot creator. Obviously, this was during their hard rebuild phase, but buckets are buckets in the NBA. He peaked at 22 PPG in the 2022-23 season with the biggest green light of his career, taking just over 17 shots a night.

So how do you convince a 26-year-old who put up those types of numbers to take that big of a step back in his role and come off the bench? Surely, you would expect the ego to come into play a bit...right?

Nope. Not for KJ. He's been more than accepting of his new role duties under Mitch Johnson as a reserve and a Swiss Army Knife on offense. Whether it's camping in the deep corner for a catch-and-shoot look or driving to the rim with reckless abandon, Johnson is ready to do whatever when his number's called.

Keldon Johnson defines what the Spurs are this season

KJ's unselfishness is just a microcosm of what makes the Spurs click. This is a group that is filled to the brim with guys who are willing to make things work with one another.

Whether it's Dylan Harper accepting a role off the bench as a lottery pick or Devin Vassell taking a dip in shot attempts, the Spurs put the greater good of the team first.

As for Johnson, this ability to adapt and blend into any situation goes far beyond what he does this season for the Spurs. That kind of flexibility will make him one of the most valuable role players across the entire league for years to come.