Once an Olympic gold medalist and high-volume scorer, the San Antonio forward reveals how ego and frustration nearly derailed his career before he embraced a transformative reserve role.
Keldon Johnson has become one of the faces of perseverance for the San Antonio Spurs, but his path to becoming a valued veteran voice wasn’t always smooth.
In a recent reflection, Johnson admitted he struggled emotionally after being benched by legendary coach Gregg Popovich during the rebuilding years, revealing he spent time "sulking" while trying to process the reduced role.
"I’m also just human, man. And I was like 24 years old. If I said that I fully bought into this role from the jump, I’d be lying," Johnson told the Player's Tribune. "I had averaged 22 points in the NBA. I’d won a gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics. So I just didn’t understand. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. And ultimately, I didn’t take it well. I sulked."
For a player who once averaged over 20 points per game and served as one of San Antonio’s primary offensive options, moving away from the spotlight wasn’t easy. Johnson had started consistently for years before Popovich shifted him into a bench role as the Spurs began prioritizing lineup balance and long-term development around emerging stars.
Johnson acknowledged the change initially affected his mindset. Instead of immediately embracing the adjustment, frustration took over. That honesty matters because NBA players rarely discuss the emotional side of losing status within a rotation.
The turning point came when Johnson stopped viewing the move as punishment and started seeing it as part of his growth.
That mentality has transformed his career.
Rather than resisting, Johnson evolved into one of the league’s most impactful reserve players and eventually developed into an ideal energy piece for a winning Spurs roster.
His willingness to sacrifice touches, minutes, and recognition mirrors a tradition San Antonio has long celebrated. Former Spur Manu Ginóbili famously accepted a sixth-man role despite All-Star talent, helping build championship teams in the process. Johnson’s transition has drawn similar praise for prioritizing team success over personal accolades.
And it led to him being named the Sixth Man of the Year for his efforts off the bench this season, as he averaged 13 points and five rebounds per game.
Johnson is now the longest-tenured Spur and one of the locker room’s emotional leaders. Teammates routinely praise his energy and selflessness, while coaches trust him to spark second units and steady younger players.
His recent playoff resurgence offered another reminder. After enduring a scoring slump, Johnson erupted for 21 points in a crucial win against the Timberwolves, showing the same fearless style that made him a fan favorite years ago.
The version of Keldon Johnson that Spurs fans see today was shaped partly by uncomfortable moments — including one benching that initially left him frustrated, but ultimately helped redefine his career.