A young San Antonio Spur, one of the few to still be with the team after a shocking offseason, is getting high praise from NBA experts. Keldon Johnson was shown some love in a new report from HoopsHype.com.
More eyes may be on Johnson this season, his fourth in the NBA after being drafted by the Spurs in 2019, given the recent recognition that puts him not far below NBA All-Stars and league legends. That should come as no surprise for San Antonio fans given that 22-year-old Johnson was the team’s second-highest scorer last season.
San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson was ranked among the Top 25 best small forwards in the NBA.
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Johnson was named among other former Spurs who were considered to be the team’s saving graces and leaders of the post-Big Three era. The site ranked DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls at No. 8, while Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers was recognized at No. 3. As Spurs fans remember, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for DeMar DeRozan in 2018 after a drama-filled season that led to San Antonio fans forever cursing Leonard’s name.
With Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker IV — the last big names to play alongside or be coached by Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker — being traded over the summer, Johnson is definitely seen as a key player to help rebuild the five-time championship franchise.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after he got an offensive rebound and put back bucket to take the lead against the Golden State Warriors late in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 20, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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