Keldon Johnson is Spurs' gold standard for ego free basketball

As the San Antonio Spurs wait for the NBA playoffs to start, forward Keldon Johnson has been busy. He recently posted an article on The Players' Tribune discussing his time with the team and even what led to him first coming off the bench.

That was initially seen as a questionable move, but it has paid off with Johnson being the likely frontrunner to win Sixth Man of the Year this season. Just the fact that he hasn't started a game in the last two seasons but is thriving underscores how dramatically he has changed his game.

Johnson managing to reinvent his game has been nothing short of impressive. Remember, he was taken 29th overall in the 2019 NBA draft and has seen his role change several times with the Spurs.

Keldon Johnson has successfully reinvented his game for Spurs

Had Johnson not been willing to come off the bench, he likely wouldn't have lasted as long in San Antonio as he has. He is already in his seventh season with the team and is under contract through next season.

In an era where it's rare to have one player spend that long with one team, it's a testament to Johnson's determination and willingness to sacrifice.

He bridges multiple Spurs eras, with him being drafted during the LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan era and then the subsequent rebuild. Now, both he and San Antonio are reaping the benefits of their hard work.

Keldon Johnson is the frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year

Johnson appears to be the front runner for Sixth Man of the Year this season. Winning that award would be validation for all of his hard work and sacrifice.

It would also solidify his legacy in San Antonio as not only a fan favorite but also a crucial part of a great team. It isn't just that Johnson is putting up a lot of points on the board off the bench, but he is helping to energize the team whenever he takes the floor.

His 3-point shot finally started falling this season, while his drive game proved to be as potent as ever. Those two skills, in addition to a new one, offensive rebounding, made Johnson arguably the most reliable sixth man in the NBA this season. That makes him more than deserving of that award

The only thing they could top winning that award with would be if he helped San Antonio win a championship either this season or next, preferably both. Given Johnson's drive, I wouldn't put it past him to help San Antonio to a title.

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