Keldon Johnson faces stunning role reversal in Spurs’ reshaped roster plans

Longtime San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson has a lot to prove next season after an awful NBA playoff run. So much so that he could soon find himself out of the rotation and perhaps off the team.

Despite winning Sixth Man of the Year last season, it seems that teams have figured out how to stop Johnson, at least in the playoffs. Of the four teams that San Antonio faced during their playoff run, the worst still ranked 12th in defensive rating.

Disciplined defenders quickly caught on to Johnson's tendency to go one on three in the fast break or bulldoze his way to the basket. Worse yet, his defensive struggles reared their ugly head.

His over-aggressiveness defensively resulted in plenty of trips to the free throw line when San Antonio's opponents were in the bonus. Johnson's playoff struggles proved what many Spurs fans had suspected: he isn't to be trusted in the postseason.

Keldon Johnson may soon play his final season with the Spurs

Even the most staunch Johnson supporter would agree that Johnson's time with the team may be winding down. Remember, he will be a free agent after next season, and it seems unlikely that he will be extended before then.

Especially after the Spurs extended forward Julian Champagnie on a 3-year, $45 million deal. They also signed Tobias Harris to a two-year, $31 million contract.

Although neither player technically plays small forward for the Spurs, Johnson played some at power forward last season. Therefore, it's clear that Johnson's role could soon be minimized.

After all, the Spurs will likely play Carter Bryant at the three next season with their newfound power forward depth. That spells trouble for Johnson, who could be looking over his shoulder with Bryant rapidly improving.

The Spurs are banking on Carter Bryant surpassing Johnson

Johnson still has plenty to offer to the Spurs, with him being a workhorse in the regular season. Even so, the endgame should result in Bryant taking his minutes.

Even as a teenager, Bryant was a vastly superior defender to Johnson. And as last season progressed, his shot improved dramatically, making him a legit 3-and-D forward.

Those players don't grow on trees. Especially 20-year-old 6'8" 3-and-D forwards. If Bryant can avoid picking up ticky tac fouls on defense, shoot threes at a high clip, and finish at the rim on offense, then Coach Mitch Johnson may ultimately replace Johnson in the rotation.

Even if he doesn't, he may still eat into Johnson's minutes next season. All told, barring a major bounce-back season, this may prove to be his last in San Antonio.

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