Keldon Johnson’s weight loss means he can expand his versatility

Keldon Johnson is likely getting tired of being fodder for the boys around the water cooler while they’re at work. Spurs Nation is constantly discussing Johnson—whether it be his perceived drop in play, his trade status or whether he should wear silver and black for the long haul. Keldon’s now done something about it.

He came into camp slim and trimmed up, and this weight loss will add to his ability to impact this basketball team. As the longest-tenured Spur, he had gotten into a level of comfort with the organization and San Antonio in general and put some weight on. The barbeque is good down here. The Tex-Mex? Even better.

Keldon’s clearly received the message

Being lighter means he’ll have more energy. His joints won’t hurt as much. His cardio will be greater. These are all positives for him and the Spurs, as they need Keldon early since Vassell’s out to start the season.

Although he hasn’t done it much lately, Johnson could see some time at the shooting guard position to start the season. Vassell is still recovering from injury and has been the Spurs primary two recently, but Keldon has plenty of ability to fill in. Being lighter will help him be quicker defensively as well, so guarding the opposing shooting guard won’t be a disadvantage.

Keldon himself stated he feels more “explosive.” He’s shown the ability to get to the rim his entire career thus far and should be able to get back to his ways when he first entered the league. He’s a mismatch for opponents as he’s bigger than most two guards and quicker than most wings. This added explosion will help him contribute in bunches.

This weight loss will affect the team in other ways as well—some won’t be directly measured in the stat sheet. Johnson is a leader on this team. So, his hard work to shed weight is leading by example.

Taking his off-season training to a new level signifies to the rest of the team that the time to play around is over. It’s playoffs or bust, and the Spurs need maximum effort from each member of this roster to continue building to new heights.

Johnson’s expanded versatility will help him draw a line in the sand, and the rest of the team will follow. The time for the playoffs is now.