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We Got Next: A closer look at the NBA’s 5 newest stars

By Thomas J. Brown

Oct 11, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) brings the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and guard Desmond Bane (22) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) brings the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and guard Desmond Bane (22) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
Keldon Johnson, NBA: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA: Keldon Johnson – San Antonio Spurs

After his second season in the NBA, San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson gained invaluable experience when he won a gold medal as a member of the USA Olympic Basketball team, competing in Tokyo. Having a chance to compete against premier forwards like Kevin Durant and Bam Adebayo every day in practice can only make a young player better, and Johnson showed immediate improvement the following season.

Last season, Johnson put up highly respectable numbers of 17.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while starting all 75 games he appeared in. Those numbers were impressive enough for the team to offer him a four-year, $74 million extension in the offseason, which he gladly accepted.

This year, Johnson is once again one of San Antonio’s most reliable performers, as he is averaging 20.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per contest. The Spurs are in search of an identity, but Johnson is helping them maintain respectability while they look for a winning formula.

Gregg Popovich is one of the greatest basketball minds the NBA has ever seen. The Spurs may not be very good right now, but fans in San Antonio should not expect things to stay that way for long. In Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Zach Collins, the team has three very promising young players that they could potentially build around. Expect Coach Popovich to do some additional maneuvering this offseason to help the team return to relevancy.

Every year, several NBA players take a giant leap forward and put the league on notice that the improvements in their games warrant serious attention. So far this season, Devin Vassell, Bennedict Mathurin, Desmond Bane, Paolo Banchero, and Keldon Johnson are putting the league on notice that they are here to stay.

Next. Are the Bulls gearing up to move their all-stars?. dark

Emerging talent is always one of the most intriguing subplots of an NBA season, and thanks to these five standouts, this year is no exception.

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