San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson wins NBA Sixth Man of the Year
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson has been named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year after a historic season coming off the bench.
The seventh-year veteran became the first player in franchise history to score at least 1,000 points as a substitute in a single campaign.
His impressive total of 1,081 points ranked as the second-highest among all reserve players in the league this year.
A challenging transition
The move to a reserve role was initially difficult for a player who had started 205 games over his first four professional seasons.
Following a 2022-23 campaign where he led the Texas franchise with a career-high 22 points per game, former head coach Gregg Popovich asked him to step out of the starting five.
The American forward admitted his ego took an initial hit upon hearing the news, but he ultimately trusted the coaching staff’s vision.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but it never deterred me, never steered me away,” Johnson told ESPN.
“Being Sixth Man of the Year is just a testament to that, to my supporting cast, to the Spurs and how much they’ve trusted and believed in me.”
‘The soul of this team’
His teammates and coaches were quick to praise his selfless attitude and relentless physical energy on the court.
Star centre Victor Wembanyama, who was recently named Defensive Player of the Year, highlighted the crucial impact of his veteran teammate.
“He has sacrificed more than anybody on this team in my opinion in terms of stats and playing time,” Wembanyama said.
“He brings energy, no matter what time of the day, and he deserves to be the Sixth Man of the Year.”
Historic statistical impact
The longest-tenured player on the roster registered 13 performances of 20 points or more as a substitute during the regular season.
That achievement tied for the third-most in franchise history and is the highest total since Manu Ginobili’s renowned 2006-07 season.
He also ranked in the top five among all NBA bench players in total rebounds, free throws made, and plus-minus statistics.
Current Spurs coach Mitch Johnson described the dynamic wing as the absolute heart and soul of the roster.
“He puts his body in harm’s way for the betterment of the team every game,” the coach noted.
Rookie guard Dylan Harper echoed those sentiments, calling the veteran a vital unifying presence within the locker room.
“The role he’s taken and how he thrives in his role is the best thing ever for us,” Harper concluded.
