Keldon Johnson Thrives as Spurs’ Sixth Man, Fueling 62-Win Season
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San Antonio, TX — Keldon Johnson’s shift from starter to sixth man has turned into a breakthrough for both the 26-year-old forward and the San Antonio Spurs. After coach Gregg Popovich informed him on Dec. 23, 2024, that coming off the bench would better serve the club, Johnson embraced the role and has since become the NBA’s 2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year.
The seventh-year veteran produced at least 1,000 points in reserve duty this season, the first player in franchise history to reach that mark. He is the second Spur ever to capture the award, joining Hall of Famer Manu Ginóbili.
Bench spark drives winning surge
Johnson has appeared as a reserve in 201 of his past 202 regular-season games, including 159 over the last two campaigns. San Antonio finished 62-20, its best record since 2014, and can close out its first-round series Tuesday when it hosts the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
“If you want to be here, sometimes you’ve got to remove your ego,” Johnson said. “I get an opportunity to be part of something special.”
From 22-point scorer to impact reserve
Johnson averaged a career-high 22.0 points while starting 63 games in 2022-23, but the Spurs ended that season 22-60. Accepting a supporting role alongside rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama the following year helped spark the club’s revival.
Popovich first noticed Johnson’s energy during the forward’s rookie season in 2019-20 and believed that spark could anchor the second unit. The move paid off immediately, giving San Antonio reliable scoring and contagious enthusiasm whenever Johnson checked in.
Recognition and perspective
“Being Sixth Man of the Year is a testament to hard work and to how much the Spurs have trusted and believed in me,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s upbeat approach also permeates the locker room. Teammates routinely arrive to booming music from his portable speaker, and rookie guard Stephon Castle calls his energy “contagious.”
Now, with a postseason berth secured and a chance to reach the Western Conference semifinals, Johnson’s new identity as the league’s top reserve has become a cornerstone of San Antonio’s resurgence.
Source: ESPN
