The NBA Finals are a stage where heroes are made and weaknesses are exposed. Right now, the San Antonio Spurs find themselves in a precarious position, down 0-2 against the New York Knicks, and one player’s struggles are emblematic of the team’s broader challenges: Keldon Johnson. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Johnson, the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, was supposed to be a cornerstone of the Spurs’ success. Yet, here we are, questioning not just his performance but what it reveals about the team’s identity and future.
Personally, I think the narrative around Johnson is being oversimplified. Yes, he’s underperforming—his scoring efficiency has plummeted, and his rebounding, once a strength, has become inconsistent. But what many people don’t realize is that Johnson’s struggles are a symptom of a deeper issue: the Spurs’ lack of frontcourt size and versatility. This isn’t just about one player; it’s about a roster construction that’s been exposed at the worst possible moment.
If you take a step back and think about it, the Spurs’ predicament against the Knicks is a perfect storm. Karl-Anthony Towns, a stretch big who can shoot and drive, has neutralized Victor Wembanyama, arguably the league’s best rim protector. Wembanyama’s discomfort defending on the perimeter has left the paint vulnerable, and the Spurs don’t have a reliable big forward to step in. Johnson was supposed to be that guy, but his ineffectiveness has made him nearly unplayable in this series.
One thing that immediately stands out is how the Spurs’ patchwork solutions at the forward position have caught up with them. Jeremy Sochan, once seen as the long-term answer, fell out of favor and was waived. Harrison Barnes, a placeholder, couldn’t keep up when his jumper abandoned him. Julian Champagnie, a small forward playing out of position, has been a bright spot but can’t carry the load alone. This raises a deeper question: How did the Spurs let this position become such a liability?
From my perspective, the Spurs’ reliance on Johnson as their only viable big forward was always a gamble. His energy and physicality were never in question, but his skill set has limitations, especially against elite competition. What this really suggests is that the Spurs’ front office miscalculated their needs, assuming Johnson could fill a gap that required a more well-rounded player.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Johnson’s struggles have impacted the team’s bench. Dylan Harper has stepped up admirably, but the second unit lacks a consistent scoring threat beyond him. Johnson, at his best, is a straight-line driver and passable shooter who can keep defenses honest. Right now, he’s a liability, and that’s not just hurting his stats—it’s draining the team’s morale.
What makes Johnson’s situation even more poignant is his role as a locker room leader. He’s the kind of player who screams “and-one!” after a tough finish, the kind of energy that can spark a comeback. But when that energy is absent, when he’s logging just 24 minutes in two games, it’s a silent acknowledgment that something is deeply wrong.
If the Spurs want to claw their way back into this series, they need Johnson to rediscover his identity. It’s not about him becoming a superstar overnight—it’s about him being solid enough to take pressure off Wembanyama and the starting lineup. In my opinion, this is less about X’s and O’s and more about psychology. Johnson needs to remember who he is: a player who thrives on effort and hustle, not just skill.
Looking ahead, this series is a wake-up call for the Spurs. They’ve built a team around Wembanyama’s unique talents, but they’ve neglected the supporting cast, particularly in the frontcourt. If they want to contend in the future, they’ll need to address this imbalance. Johnson’s struggles aren’t just his problem—they’re a reflection of the team’s larger shortcomings.
In the end, the Spurs’ Finals run may hinge on whether Johnson can find his footing. But even if he does, it won’t solve the systemic issues that have brought them to this point. This series isn’t just about winning or losing—it’s about learning what it takes to build a championship-caliber roster. And for the Spurs, that lesson is coming at a steep price.
