Keldon Johnson earns easiest Sixth Man of the Year vote of all time

Spurs Nation is rooting ferociously for Keldon Johnson to win the Sixth Man of the Year award after the season he just had. We only have to wait two more days to hear if that will happen with the NBA set to make the announcement on Wednesday, April 22, but we know that he has at least one guy in his corner.

Now, KJ put the work in during the offseason and during the year, so I by no means intend to diminish the grit it took to become a 6MOY finalist. However, it's funny to think about the fact that Bill Simmons wasn't going to pick him but ultimately did because of what Johnson wasn't doing, which was playing basketball at the time. That's the easiest swing vote he'll ever earn.

We all know award season voting isn't supposed to work like that, but it wouldn't have happened at all if Miami were able to avoid the Play-In Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. Usually, votes are cast before the Play-In, but Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, and Cade Cunningham's appeal of the 65-game rule delayed things. That's not KJ's fault, but he deserves it anyway, so cry me a river.

Keldon Johnson was more impactful than Jaime Jaquez Jr.

When you look at the counting stats, you'll see that the Heat forward averaged more points and assists per game, while rebounding at a similar rate. But Jaquez Jr. also played more minutes a night (28 to 23) and wasn't as efficient.

Jaime Jacquez Jr. 2025-26 stats

15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 50.7 FG%, 31.7 3P%, 79.4 FT%, 57.0 TS% +144

Keldon Johnson 2025-26 stats

13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 51.9 FG%, 36.3 3P%, 79.4 FT%, 61.3 TS%, +317

KJ is the heart and soul of a strong San Antonio team. The same can't be said for Jacquez Jr. When Johnson enters the game, he brings consistent production and infectious energy. He's the quintessential locker room guy, and the Spurs wouldn't be as successful without him.

Not to mention the long-tenured member of the Silver and Black suiting up for 82 games this year. That's another point in his favor. We just have to hope that the other voters have realized his value for the entire season, because after a campaign like this, more than one player on this team deserves to walk away with hardware.

We already know Victor Wembanyama will be winning the Defensive Player of the Year award. That announcement will be made today at 5:00 pm CST. Two nights later, we hope to hear KJ's name called for Sixth Man of the Year. Nobody deserves it more.

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