Keldon Johnson recorded a historic 2025-26 NBA season, averaging 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while playing all 82 games coming off the bench for the San Antonio Spurs. This performance culminated in him being named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, making him only the second player in franchise history to earn the honor after Manu Ginóbili. His statistical profile during this period highlights a rare and successful transition from a high-volume starter to an efficient second-unit anchor.

Statistical Breakdown of the 2025-26 Sixth Man Campaign

The 2025-26 season represented a masterclass in professional adaptation. While many young stars struggle with a move to the bench, Johnson’s statistics suggests he thrived in the role.

Scoring Efficiency and Bench Impact

Johnson became the first player in San Antonio Spurs history to score over 1,000 points as a reserve in a single season. His shooting splits were particularly impressive, reflecting a more disciplined shot selection compared to his earlier years.

  • Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 51.9%
  • Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 36.3%
  • Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 79.4%
  • Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): 58.2%

These numbers indicate that Johnson maximized his limited minutes (averaging 23.3 minutes per game) by focusing on high-percentage looks and maintaining his perimeter threat. His ability to maintain a high scoring floor without the benefit of starting lineups speaks to his individual offensive gravity.

Reliability and Durability

One of the most significant statistics from Johnson’s recent campaign was his "82 of 82" games played. In an era of frequent load management, Johnson provided the Spurs with unmatched reliability. This durability allowed the coaching staff to build a consistent second-unit identity around his "Big Body" style of play, characterized by aggressive drives to the rim and physical rebounding.

Comparing Career Phases: From Volume Scorer to Efficiency Specialist

To understand the weight of Keldon Johnson’s current stats, one must look at his evolution since being drafted 29th overall in 2019.

The Peak Starter Years (2022-2023)

During the 2022-23 season, Johnson was the primary offensive option for a rebuilding Spurs team. His stats from that era show a different type of player:

  • PPG: 22.0
  • MPG: 32.7
  • FGA per game: 17.7

While the raw scoring was higher, his efficiency (45.2% FG) and win shares were lower. He was asked to carry a heavy burden, often facing the opponent's best defenders for 30+ minutes a night.

The Transformation (2024-2026)

With the arrival of Victor Wembanyama and the maturation of other young talents, Johnson’s role shifted. By the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, his minutes decreased, but his impact metrics stabilized.

  • PER (Player Efficiency Rating): Rose to 17.3 in the 2025-26 season.
  • Win Shares (WS): Contributed 6.4 win shares during his Sixth Man of the Year run.

This shift proves that Johnson’s value to a winning culture is higher as an overqualified reserve than as a primary-option starter on a lottery team.

Advanced Metrics and On-Court Influence

Beyond the traditional box score, Keldon Johnson’s advanced stats reveal why he is considered the "heartbeat" of the Spurs' roster.

Shot Profile and Distance

In the 2025-26 season, Johnson optimized his shot chart. He took 65.7% of his shots from two-point range, with a heavy emphasis on the restricted area. His field goal percentage on shots from 0-3 feet from the rim was an elite 67.2%. When defenders backed off to prevent the drive, he punished them by hitting 35.8% of his corner three-pointers.

Defensive Contribution and Rebounding

Despite being a 6'6" swingman, Johnson’s physicality allows him to play larger than his size.

  • Defensive Rebound Percentage: He consistently maintained a defensive rebound rate that ranked in the upper tier for small forwards.
  • Versatility: His ability to switch between defending shooting guards and power forwards allowed the Spurs to maintain defensive flexibility when the starters rested.

Keldon Johnson Career Statistical Summary

Season Team G MPG FG% 3P% TRB AST PTS
2019-20 SAS 17 17.7 .596 .591 3.4 0.9 9.1
2020-21 SAS 69 28.5 .479 .331 6.0 1.8 12.8
2021-22 SAS 75 31.9 .466 .398 6.1 2.1 17.0
2022-23 SAS 63 32.7 .452 .329 5.0 2.9 22.0
2023-24 SAS 69 29.5 .454 .346 5.5 2.8 15.7
2024-25 SAS 77 23.9 .482 .318 4.8 1.6 12.7
2025-26 SAS 82 23.3 .519 .363 5.4 1.4 13.2
Career SAS 452 27.7 .475 .353 .54 2.0 15.1

Frequently Asked Questions About Keldon Johnson

What is Keldon Johnson’s career high in scoring?

Keldon Johnson’s highest scoring average for a season was 22.0 points per game during the 2022-23 NBA season.

How many awards has Keldon Johnson won?

Keldon Johnson won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2025-26 season. Internationally, he also earned an Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

How tall is Keldon Johnson?

He is listed at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) and weighs approximately 220 lbs (100 kg).

What is Keldon Johnson's draft pedigree?

He was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky.

Conclusion

Keldon Johnson’s journey is reflected in his evolving statistics. While he once carried the burden of being a primary scorer, his transformation into an elite Sixth Man has solidified his legacy in San Antonio. By prioritizing efficiency, embracing a bench role, and maintaining perfect health through the 2025-26 season, Johnson has proven that his value extends far beyond raw scoring. As the longest-tenured Spur, his statistical consistency remains a cornerstone of the franchise’s current era.