A part of the Spurs' deep collection of talent resides in one of the most confusing players on the roster: Keldon Johnson. The team's hype man, KJ, has been a member of the organization longer than anyone else. Yet still, his value remains one of the team's biggest questions. Is he a worthy member of the Spurs playoff rotation or just another player passing by?
There is no doubt that Keldon Johnson is an integral member of the Spurs rotation. But what we can't understand is how much. For a team that desperately needs perimeter shooting around its superstar Victor Wembanyama, Johnson doesn't exactly provide that. But what he does provide may be enough to prove his worth.
The stats back up Keldon Johnson's case
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In the case that Keldon Johnson is an extremely valued member of the Spurs rotation, one stat tells all. San Antonio is 9-3 when Keldon Johnson scores 10+ points and 2-2 when he fails to. The Spurs are greatly benefiting from KJ's best games.
When the shooting guard gets it going, it is almost impossible for the Spurs to lose. But when he doesn't, the Spurs aren't nearly as great. While this may seem like a coincidence, the eye test says differently.
If you watch any Spurs game, and particularly the ones where Keldon scores over 10 points, you can see [what kind of impact he has](https://airalamo.com/keldon-johnson-has-found-role-that-destined). Whether it is his ability to heat up and go on a self-created run or create an extra possession for his team, the man is hard to miss. While he isn't always lighting it up, you can always notice when he is on the floor.
Even if he is not shooting the lights out, the veteran is finding a way to lead the Spurs to wins. He creates scoring opportunities in transition and off cuts, working pleasantly with his point guard. He may not be drawing too much attention outside, but the opposing team can't take their eyes off of him when he is on the court.
Keldon Johnson belongs in the Spurs projected playoff rotation
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In sum, I believe that Keldon Johnson can not be forgotten about in the Spurs' eventual playoff rotation. Every team needs a guy like this. Whether it is Josh Hart with the New York Knicks or any of the Oklahoma City Thunder's hundred gritty role players, winning teams have a player of this archetype.
Keldon Johnson is always there to do the dirty work and is excellent at boosting team morale. Sometimes, he can spark a run all by himself with incredible enthusiasm and big-play creation. When things get rough and stagnant, KJ will be the way to pull the team out of the dirt.
Say what you want about this three-point shooting, but you must believe me when I say that the Spurs need Keldon Johnson. This season, the longtime Spur is [doing more than he ever has](https://airalamo.com/keldon-johnson-proving-his-doubters-wrong-with-spurs-hot-start) and has cemented himself as a player the team can't afford to lose.