San Antonio Spurs: Complete grades for the 2019 NBA offseason
Spurs draft Keldon Johnson
The San Antonio Spurs had been linked to Keldon Johnson in multiple mock drafts, although usually picking him up at No. 19. When he fell in the draft the Spurs were waiting to snatch him up at the end of the first round. It was a welcome addition to their team.
Johnson, a McDonald’s All-American, was a top-10 prospect coming out of high school. He chose the Kentucky Wildcats over a lot of offers from top schools. He was the third-leading scorer and rebounder for John Calipari’s squad, posting 13.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Often lauded for his shooting stroke, Johnson shot 38.1 percent from three-point range.
A strong point for Johnson was his ability to rise to the occasion when needed. He scored 14.6 points per game against top-25 teams. This includes 21 points in a win over then-No. 9 North Carolina and 20 in a victory over then-No. 14 Auburn.
Johnson proved to be a solid shooter and a scorer.
Like any prospect, especially those outside of the lottery, weaknesses can be glaring. Opponents to Johnson call out his lack of athleticism when compared to other NBA prospects.
But then again, like most rookies, physical issues can become a non-issue after becoming a part of an NBA training program. The intangibles that Johnson possesses provide a great deal of hope.