Keldon Johnson's Excellent Summer League Debut Should Have Spurs Fans Fired up
On the second day of the Salt Lake City NBA Summer League, the San Antonio Spurs were able to clinch a victory thanks to none other than rookie Keldon Johnson.
The former University of Kentucky standout showed out for his second game in a Spurs uniform, giving them a spectacular 29-point, 7-rebound performance in just 25 minutes of play. It looks like the Spurs may have a future star on their hands.
Keldon Johnson led the @spurs to a @SLCSummerLeague victory Tuesday with 29 PTS & 7 REB! #NBASummer #NBARooks
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) July 3, 2019
SAS@UTA - 9pm/et, @NBATV pic.twitter.com/U1EXbZk8Bn
This performance gives the city of San Antonio ample reason to celebrate the beginning of what could be a rebuild into the greatness that fans are used to. But, fans shouldn't get overly excited just yet.
Johnson's breakout performance comes just one day after his Summer League debut, during which he dropped just 4 points on only two field goal attempts in the Spurs' win over the Cavaliers.
I said it on draft night and I'll say it again, Keldon Johnson is the Spurs rookie most likely to crack the rotation this year because of his defense, his size, and the fact that he doesn't need the ball much. https://t.co/WrJ0sCbqY4
— Free Agent Tom (@RealTomPetrini) July 3, 2019
Now this could mean two things. The 19 year-old rookie was able to shake his nerves off, come back on day two, and play his game for real. Or he will need to be watched further to look at consistency.
But either way, Johnson, who was selected with the 29th overall pick, has shown the Spurs and their fans what he is capable of, and they should be excited to look at more of him throughout the rest of the summer league season.
He could end up being the steal of the draft if he can develop in Gregg Popovich's system, and fans will be hoping that he shows strong growth as a rookie.