The San Antonio Spurs, on paper, don't really need veteran players. Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Manu Ginobili, and Gregg Popovich are incredibly hands-on. With their presence, the Spurs should have all of their bases covered.

Of course, San Antonio is leaning into youth, but having someone who's been around in the locker room night in and night out is invaluable. Harrison Barnes is serving that role well, as is De'Aaron Fox.

For some fans, it's hard to believe that Keldon Johnson is no longer the young buck. For better and for worse, he still plays like he's fresh out of college, and he brings more energy than anyone on the roster.

Johnson is the longest-tenured player on the roster. One of the biggest steals in the 2019 Draft, he has gone from G League talent to franchise centerpiece, and now occupies the veteran role player spot.

Despite shifting duties througout his career, he's been able to seamlessly transition, every time.

"Being able to be here the longest, I can show the younger guys the way," Johnson said told OnSI's Matt Guzman. "I can be a big brother to some of the guys and a brother to other guys. I want to help in any way I can."  

While his locker-room talents have never been questioned, nor has his team-first energy, which remains infectious, his on-court production has more valleys and peaks than Big Bend.

Johnson went from a driver and slasher to a deadeye shooter to a total liability, and now has settled in nicely as the sixth man.

In San Antonio, being the first player off the bench is a spot of honor.

Of course, it's not entirely Johnson's fault that his quality has been tumultuous. Over the span of his career, the Spurs went from being a win-now team with DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge to a young team featuring Derrick White and Dejounte Murray, before tanking shamelessly for draft picks.

Now, the Spurs are on the cusp of contending, and Johnson isn't the only one bringing positive energy.

"The chemistry this year is crazy," Johnson said earlier this month. "Everybody has the right intentions. And not saying we didn't the last few years, but I feel like as a collective group this year, everybody's on the same page. Everybody knows what the goal is and what we're trying to achieve, and knowing that it takes a team to be able to achieve those goals. Doing it together is definitely our mindset."

Johnson's salary has made him a frequent fixture of mock trades, although his spot in San Antonio seems to be safe. He's made it clear that he wants to be a Spurs lifer.

He's no longer one of the best players on the team, but he fits into his on-and-off-court roles perfectly. The Spurs can live with his mistakes and inefficiencies, provided he's always the first to hit the hardwood when the ball is loose, he always crashes the glass, and he's ready to hype up everyone in the Frost Bank Center.

Johnson has worn a lot of hats, but "team leader" is the one that fits the best.