San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson told NBA writer Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News that he’s willing to come off the bench next season if that’s what head coach Gregg Popovich deems fit.
Johnson appeared in 63 games for the Spurs last season. He started every game he played in.
Johnson averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season while shooting 45.2% from the field, 32.9% from beyond the arc and 74.9% from the free-throw line. The 23-year-old recorded five double-doubles and led the Spurs in points per game.
Johnson has career averages of 16.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 224 games with the Spurs. The Kentucky product signed a four-year, $74 million rookie-scale extension with San Antonio in July 2022. Johnson will make $20 million next season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Keldon Johnson & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The Spurs won only 22 games last season. However, they got the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and selected Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio has won five championships under Popovich, who has coached David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard. Popovich will now get to coach Wembanyama, who played in two Summer League games in Las Vegas.
Wembanyama put up nine points, eight rebounds, three assists and five blocks while shooting 2-for-13 from the field versus the Charlotte Hornets but bounced back in a big way against the Portland Blazers, finishing with 27 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks on 9-of-14 shooting overall.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Keldon Johnson & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The Spurs signed Popovich to a new contract this summer. The deal is worth more than $80 million, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
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