Final season was not Keldon Johnson’s greatest. He was assigned a bench position mid-way via the season the place he generally appeared uncomfortable. He was benched by San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich, for his defensive woes later within the season. All whereas drawing criticism from followers and basketball media alike. By way of all of it, he remained energetic and dedicated to the franchise.
It seems Johnson has been placing within the work this offseason, wanting utterly reworked in new coaching movies courtesy of Dusty Garcia.
Johnson’s bodily form drew criticism final season. Some puzzled if his heavier body and defensive woes have been associated. He should have taken these feedback to coronary heart.
The wing regressed statistically final season after being the crew’s main scorer within the 2022-23 season. Johnson averaged 15.7 factors, 5.5 rebounds and a pair of.8 assists. He had a 118 defensive ranking, one of many worst defensive seasons of his profession.
Physique transformations are nothing new within the NBA. The “in the very best form of his profession” narrative hardly ever results in big-time outcomes the subsequent season. But, it’s onerous to include pleasure with Johnson’s efforts, given how drastically completely different he appears.
His coaching appears to emphasise explosive actions, specializing in his athleticism and burst. With extra quickness and explosiveness, Johnson ought to bodily be capable to play higher on the defensive finish. His lateral quickness has been a difficulty prior to now, together with some lapses mentally. It looks as if he’s addressing the bodily side of his defensive capability. It stays to be seen if he can enhance the psychological aspect.
Offense has by no means been the problem with KJ. In reality, his physicality and ending capability have lengthy been strengths. Combining his proclivity for drawing contact across the basket with a extra explosive base may do wonders for his downhill attacking recreation. It’s one thing he went away from too typically final season. The added velocity may assist him get again to attacking the basket at will – one thing that shall be wanted within the second unit.
We must wait and see how this bodily work manifests on the basketball courtroom. If nothing else, it’s an thrilling story to concentrate to going into coaching camp. A revitalized Johnson can be an asset to the Spurs’ bench, and assist them compete this season.
