Spurs are bound to get frustrated with Keldon Johnson this season

The San Antonio Spurs added Tobias Harris this offseason, and the additional forward depth will only make it more frustrating when Keldon Johnson’s tunnel vision takes over. Fans know how maddening it is to see him barrel into traffic and turn the ball over. Gregg Popovich brought beautiful basketball to San Antonio, and the team wants to keep playing that way, which makes Keldon’s takeover moments even more frustrating.

The Spurs are loaded at the forward spots. Harris is expected to be competing with Julian Champagnie for a starting role. Devin Vassell will get significant minutes at the three, with Harrison Barnes and Carter Bryant hoping to crack the rotation. The depth means San Antonio is less reliant on the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, which could benefit both parties.

Johnson’s efficiency reached new heights last season as he settled into his sixth man role. The Spurs need that to keep improving, including averaging more than just 1.4 assists and committing fewer turnovers per game. The added depth at his position likely makes the frustrating moments even worse because there are other options to turn to.

Keldon Johnson must fully buy into the Spurs' system

Johnson struggled mightily in the playoffs. He played in every game, but saw his production plummet. The 6’6 forward averaged just 7.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and committed more turnovers than assists in only 17.9 minutes per contest. Score-first players often get shut down in the postseason, and it has already raised questions about his future.

Johnson is set to make $18 million this year in the final season of his contract. San Antonio has a decision to make on the seven-year veteran. Keldon is just entering his prime, but there are complications with making him a Spurs lifer.

It is now or never to fully buy-in. Dylan Harper should take on a larger offensive role in the second unit, and Tobias Harris will get plenty of touches. The Spurs don’t need another scorer. They need a role player to buy into their system and make the right plays on both ends of the floor.

That isn’t Keldon’s game. He will hijack the offense at points and try to keep his usage over 20 percent even in a lesser role. The Spurs will be frustrated, and so will fans. Everybody will be screaming for him to pass the ball as he barrels into a crowd and turns it over.

Mitch Johnson can’t be afraid to go elsewhere

Head coach Mitch Johnson should have a quick hook for all his bench players. If they aren’t executing the game plan or making smart plays, it is time to put them on the bench. The Spurs have depth, and several players won’t be happy with their lack of minutes. One unnecessarily frustrating play should be all the coach needs to make a change.

San Antonio should have plenty of shot creation when healthy. Harris can get tunnel vision, but he is a professional scorer who has been to the playoffs eight straight years. He is hungry for his first championship and should have no issues buying in. Stephon Castle and Harper should take a step forward. San Antonio has Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell to get buckets. They no longer need Keldon to create from nothing.

The focus should be on getting the blender going. They need to pass the ball and use their talent to get the defense rotating. Senseless drives into a crowd are not the answer.

The San Antonio Spurs and their fans will get frustrated with Keldon Johnson this season. He is going to take over possessions with disastrous results. There will be maddening moments, but Mitch Johnson has options to turn to on San Antonio’s bench. The Spurs should be afraid to pull the reigning Sixth Man of the Year. They need everyone playing Spurs basketball by the playoffs. A quick hook may just eliminate the frustrating moments.

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