Keldon Johnson proved less is more with sensational sixth man season

Keldon Johnson’s 2025-26 campaign for the Spurs was all about sacrifice, energy, and undeniable impact. He became an emotional and spiritual leader for this young San Antonio team, contributing to their success in all kinds of ways while putting himself in position to win Sixth Man of the Year. Ultimately, this was one of Johnson’s best seasons ever, even if the stats don’t show it.

Keldon Johnson earned an “A” grade for his 2025-26 season

We’re not too far removed from the days of Keldon Johnson being a starter and looking like a future All-Star. After playing just 17 games as a rookie, it wasn’t long before San Antonio's 2019 first-round pick ascended into a starter role and posted some numbers. His statistical peak came in 2022-23, where he averaged 22.0 points and 2.9 assists, which are still career-highs for him.

Over time, though, it started to become clear Keldon wasn’t the answer for the Spurs at small forward, and he was moved to a bench role starting in 2023-24. That would have been a tough transition for a lot of players. Getting relegated to the reserves after averaging 20 could be considered disrespectful to some.

However, Johnson embraced it, and he’s now become a superstar in his job. This season, he averaged 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 51.9% from the field. Those are quiet stats compared to what he’s done in the past, but he made a loud difference for the Spurs.

KJ is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate for a reason

On the court, he’s a non-traditional sparkplug who can fill up the scoring column quickly with his interior finishing. He finished 2nd in the NBA in total points off the bench, the hallmark of his Sixth Man of the Year candidacy.

Usually, microwaves have jumper-heavy shot diets, but not Keldon. He attempted just 34.3% of his field goals from beyond the arc, the lowest since his sophomore season, while converting a career-best 60.1% of his two-pointers. The Mustang is a fearless slasher who pressures the rim with relentless drives and cuts. He’s not the most explosive, but he’s strong and bullish.

There are plenty of players who are more skilled than Keldon, but very few of them compete as hard as him. This is emphasized by his career-highs in rebound percentage (12.4%) and defensive win shares (2.6).

Johnson is the heart and soul of the Spurs

It’s off the floor where Keldon has truly impacted this San Antonio team the most. It’s clear that he’s the glue of the group in the locker room, the guy who isn’t afraid to be vocal, keep the mood light, and lead by example. He’s a vet now, after all. This was his seventh year in the league. Man, does time fly.

The days of Keldon Johnson being one of the faces of this franchise are gone, but ironically, he’s as invaluable to the team as ever. Number three bleeds Silver and Black. It’s been a joy to watch him mature and develop in San Antonio, and he should have a home there as long as he wants it. 

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