NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 14. Keldon Johnson
Some people may already be keenly aware of the burgeoning star power that Keldon Johnson exudes. He was named to the Olympic team after just two years in the league and looked the part, surprising many who were not watching a middling San Antonio Spurs squad miss the playoffs last season. It proved that Johnson is ready for more and can be more with higher-end players around him. San Antonio feels like they may be several years away from that.
Keldon Johnson is ready now. He is off to the hottest start of his career, averaging 15.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game. His efficiency has dipped with increased opportunity but still hits a respectable 46.1 percent from the floor. He stretches the floor just enough, hitting 39.2 percent on a small volume.
Johnson has been in a Spurs system overflowing with potential wings but has started to differentiate himself from the pack. He may have the most star potential on the team as a go-to scoring threat and should be able to parlay his Olympic pedigree into some sort of fortuitous teammate down the line. Unless the Spurs consolidate around him and another foundational piece, his move on from the team may be the best thing for him.