The San Antonio Spurs are currently rolling, even as they work to get everyone healthy. With a rotating cast of players shuffling in and out of the lineup, they have been forced to rely on veteran Keldon Johnson to shoulder a large offensive load.
Thus far, he has done so beautifully, [providing high-energy play off the bench](https://airalamo.com/keldon-johnson-proving-his-doubters-wrong-with-spurs-hot-start) and having his best season in years. However, his role becomes less clear when the Spurs finally get back to full strength.
Johnson may see his minutes cut if the Spurs prioritize spacing and playmaking around star Victor Wembanyama. That could mean more Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper. Fortunately for the Spurs, it seems no matter what role Johnson is thrust into, he seems to make the best out of it.
Even if he's only playing around 15 minutes a game when the Spurs are back at full strength, he can be counted on to still make a big impact.
Keldon Johnson's role may soon diminish for the Spurs
-----------------------------------------------------
After struggling with consistency in recent years, Johnson has figured out how to make an impact game after game. One such way has been for him to crash the offensive glass.
That has proven to be an effective skill, with him being able to channel his energy into something impactful. Even if his 3-point shot isn't falling or he's just having a bad game. Against the Houston Rockets, he grabbed five offensive rebounds in just 27 minutes, with two of his offensive rebounds leading directly to open threes.
Fortunately, he hasn't had too many poor shooting games, with him hitting a ridiculous 68.3% of his 2-point shots. Hitting open threes, finishing at an insane rate inside the paint, and giving the Spurs extra possessions is a recipe for success for Johnson.
And whether he's playing 30 minutes or 15 minutes, that skillset is scalable and something that can be done against any team and even in the playoffs. His scalability allows the Spurs to use him in any role required to win, making him an ideal weapon off the bench.
With San Antonio inching closer to being at full strength, Johnson will soon need to adjust to a new role. One that is like the smaller one he is playing now. Fortunately, his improved consistency means that he should still be able to make an impact and help this team contend this season.