Spurs Rebuild: Keldon Johnson Worth Keeping?
Currently, on a franchise-record 15-game skid, the San Antonio Spurs are clearly in a rebuilding era.
While the rough stretch is a byproduct of the numerous injuries and trading veteran players, San Antonio hasn't stood out as a decent basketball product even before the losing streak. With that said, despite showcasing a few young talents, are they worth keeping if this is the result? Bleacher Report initially prompted the question, and InsideTheSpurs.com answers accordingly.
Keldon Johnson, averaging 21.8 points per contest, stands out as someone who seems like a keeper. Although not as efficient from the midrange, his pull-up game in that region draws faint similarities to former Spur DeMar DeRozan. Undersized a bit, Johnson ducks bigger defenders while rolling downhill to get the angles he needs to finish in traffic.
However, the problem lies for Johnson in the form of 3-point shooting. In addition to his below 32 percent mark from deep and how he gets the looks, Johnson mainly requires spoon-fed avenues for his 3-point attempts, unlike his midrange looks. Consider Johnson a set-shooter from the perimeter, as 91 percent of his 3-point shots come assisted. While not a damning stat, it's a sign he's not the ultimate shot-creator, at least at this stage in his career.
The one shining part of Johnson's offensive repertoire demands attention. Despite his smaller stature, Johnson's sturdy build and bulldog mindset enables tough finishes at the rim. Standing 6-5, 220, he converts 61 percent of his attempts within three feet of the rim.
Defense, frankly, is not a factor for most players on the Spurs, indicative of the dead-last defensive-rated franchise in the NBA. However, to genuinely build around a player without average defensive skill, creating for others and elite scoring ability must come in handy.
Johnson, although not a master of any crafts, has a few aspects to his game to support a winning team. But he's likely not the best or second-best player on a contending team. Suppose the Spurs crap out in the lottery and don't get a top-2 pick; dangling Johnson and a first-round pick or two for such a draft position is a no-brainer decision.
However, unless a grander opportunity comes, Johnson isn't a must-move piece in the Spurs' rebuilding period. Therefore, for the time being, consider him a keeper.
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