Spurs’ Keldon Johnson says he removed ego for team

Mar 17, 2026 7:29 PM

San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson has adjusted to a new role over the past couple of seasons after previously serving as a full-time starter from 2020 to 2023.

As Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News explains, Johnson moved into a bench role in 2023/24 and has since fully embraced coming off the bench.

Although he was initially disappointed about no longer being in the starting lineup, both Johnson and the Spurs have benefited from the change.

This season, he is averaging 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently with a .529/.377/.789 line, putting himself in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year.

Johnson said the shift required him to change his mindset and focus on what helps the team most.

“I feel like when you want to win, you got to remove your ego, especially when we got the team we have,” Johnson said. “We all want to see each other be successful. I had to pull my ego away and say, ‘This is what’s best for the team.’

“And if I can maximize my role coming off the bench, as talented as I am and with the things I can bring to the game, I feel like we’ll be in great shape throughout games.”