Shams: Keldon Johnson Promoted to Team USA for Exhibition Games Beginning Saturday

[BatManu20]

Good opportunity for Big Body tbh.


1413618063145062407

[BatManu20]

1413618834196639749

[Dejounte]

Mr. Body it’s time for you to get a promotion also to Mr. Big Body.

[Mr. Body]

Mr. Body it’s time for you to get a promotion also to Mr. Big Body.

Lol. I'll let the significant other know.

[MultiTroll]

Whatever.
1. Don't get hurt in these Grand Charade prep games.

2. As long as you are there, gain some improvements playing among the better players.

[Phenomanul]

Be careful what you wish for... It’s also where stars talk behind the scenes (aka collusion) to alter each other’s free agency plans...

[timtonymanu]

Be careful what you wish for... It’s also where stars talk behind the scenes (aka collusion) to alter each other’s free agency plans...

Yes Keldon will help us recruit Bam, Beal, and Lillard to come to the Spurs :downspin:

[KobesAchilles]

Probably means he’s gonna be benched for Forbes this coming season

[koriwhat]

Probably means he’s gonna be benched for Forbes this coming season

It's hilarious watching Forbes crush the dreams of MIL due to his shit play in these finals. Dude just isn't an nba baller yet he has stuck around.

[BatManu20]

1416078483168665606

[LeBowen]

Amazing news for Keldon, but this could easily backfire.
If they fail yet again due to Pop's incompetence, Keldon will get the label of Pop's favorite who was there only because he's a Spurs player.

[GAustex]

Get DDR out of the way; let Keldon play his normal position; Keldon and the other young ones take off

I hope

[John B]

1416078483168665606
Congrats to ou boy Keldon. But boy, is McGee the best big man they can get? Really the list of better big men are international players

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Congrats to ou boy Keldon. But boy, is McGee the best big man they can get? Really the list of better big men are international players

maybe with them losing folks at the last minute it was hard finding people available?

It also seems a few of the players are butt hurt they were not on the original team and select team from the couple of tweets and stuff circulating around the internet.

[Dejounte]

US players are entitled and most stars want to preserve themselves for future contracts. America has a selfish culture.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I think that a lot of the players already made plans with their off time and didn’t want to eat the cost and cause disappointment with their family and friends due to canceling plans.

it makes sense and doesn’t really have a lot to do with being selfish or anything like that. This whole ordeal is spur of the moment

[EasyMoney]

I think that a lot of the players already made plans with their off time and didn’t want to eat the cost and cause disappointment with their family and friends due to canceling plans.

it makes sense and doesn’t really have a lot to do with being selfish or anything like that. This whole ordeal is spur of the moment



100%. Especially when you consider lockdowns being lifted. Last year they couldn't do anything. Now they have an off-season to be with their family and do almost anything they want. Also, some stars are simply hurt or still competing

[Degoat]

That’s freaking awesome for Keldon! Hopefully it leap frogs him into having an even better season next year! Honestly Javale maybe pretty useful with the fiba rules

[daslicer]

I think that a lot of the players already made plans with their off time and didn’t want to eat the cost and cause disappointment with their family and friends due to canceling plans.

it makes sense and doesn’t really have a lot to do with being selfish or anything like that. This whole ordeal is spur of the moment

Agreed. I think seeing the media reaction to Team USA' losses has probably turned off a lot of these guys from going since they know there is a lot of high pressure to win it all. You also have to factor in that Tokyo isn't going to be fun since they have created a bubble atmosphere down there where no fans are allowed.

[John B]

That’s freaking awesome for Keldon! Hopefully it leap frogs him into having an even better season next year! Honestly Javale maybe pretty useful with the fiba rules

On 2nd thought, that’s true :lol

[R. DeMurre]

I'm rooting for Keldon, but this isn't a good choice for Team USA. Playing with fire, & risking the gold medal by adding guys who aren't even in the top 25% of league players.

[R. DeMurre]

This whole ordeal is spur of the moment

[TimDunkem]

I'm rooting for Keldon, but this isn't a good choice for Team USA. Playing with fire, & risking the gold medal by adding guys who aren't even in the top 25% of league players.
How many names would have gone through on the list of available American NBA players before you got to Keldon Johnson? KJ is a good player and this is an amazing opportunity for him, but he doesn't belong on that team.

[TimDunkem]

Amazing news for Keldon, but this could easily backfire.
If they fail yet again due to Pop's incompetence, Keldon will get the label of Pop's favorite who was there only because he's a Spurs player.
It's already happening. lol This should be expected, obviously.

[exstatic]

maybe with them losing folks at the last minute it was hard finding people available?

It also seems a few of the players are butt hurt they were not on the original team and select team from the couple of tweets and stuff circulating around the internet.

Ja Morant. Tweeted something like “Didn’t call me then, don’t call me now.”.

[exstatic]

I'm rooting for Keldon, but this isn't a good choice for Team USA. Playing with fire, & risking the gold medal by adding guys who aren't even in the top 25% of league players.

The rest of those 25% all said no already.

[John B]

Ja Morant. Tweeted something like “Didn’t call me then, don’t call me now.”.

Wow what ego. But yeah I would've put him over Jrue

[John B]

I don't know what Middleton, Jrue and Booker have left in the tank. But I'd put Morant, Trae and Zion in there as early replacements.

[Russ]

Back in Vegas watching the games it was apparent what this team might need:


Pop could give KJ a role (he looked good) and then coach him hard (like Duncan). That might allow him to coach the other guys. Right now I think Pop is scared of his players. That's not his comfort zone.

Maybe that's part of the thinking here.

[Dejounte]

Big Body Olympian, baby

[John B]

Back in Vegas watching the games it was apparent what this team might need:



Maybe that's part of the thinking here.

Keldon definitely has the motor and willingness to be coached.
I'm really excited for Keldon. He might just be the 1st one to crack AS among the young core.

[GreekSpursfan]

I don't know what Middleton, Jrue and Booker have left in the tank. But I'd put Morant, Trae and Zion in there as early replacements.

Pop would lose all his remaining hair if he had Trae launching threes from the parking lot.

[Russ]

Pop would lose all his remaining hair if he had Trae launching threes from the parking lot.

True, but Pop likes to "spread the floor" and you can't do that in NCAA/FIBA due to the short 3-point line. A zone defense can pack it in and still defend the three.

Put Trae on the court and they have to come way out -- then, with his phenomenal passing skills, the whole offense opens up.

[cd98]

The sad thing is that if the US doesn't win gold, despite having numerous all-stars on this team, people will look at the roster and blame it on Johnson and McGee and wonder why they went and not other stars. And that's regardless if both play well.

[Rocalcio]

Ja Morant. Tweeted something like “Didn’t call me then, don’t call me now.”.

Shitty behavior.

[John B]

The sad thing is that if the US doesn't win gold, despite having numerous all-stars on this team, people will look at the roster and blame it on Johnson and McGee and wonder why they went and not other stars. And that's regardless if both play well.
and especially on Pop. I mean I don't know about you guys, but I still hold Pop's legacy up there, especially against opportunist Phil. At least I don't want to lose bragging rights against Laker fans :lol

[koriwhat]

Pop would lose all his remaining hair if he had Trae launching threes from the parking lot.

So his head would look just like Trae's then huh?

[Gibbz]

JaVale was made for FIBA rules. No defensive three seconds and he can swat balls off the rim.

[Trill Clinton]

Middleton, Holiday and Booker are still committed. Keldon and Javale, who will be playing spot minutes, isn't making or breaking the squad. This is still a gold medal team...ya'll can relax.

[PhantomDashCam]

Thrilled for KJ.

Selfish Spurs question here:

Anybody concerned that the Olympic commitment may cause Keldon’s development to plateau this year?
or
Do you think competing against some of the best players in the world on the daily will have the inverse effect?

One thing is for sure, Spurs may be the only mediocre team in league history where snubbed stars gear up every game to play us:lol
Trae and Ja are going to give us both barrels.

[John B]

Thrilled for KJ.

Selfish Spurs question here:

Anybody concerned that the Olympic commitment may cause Keldon’s development to plateau this year?
or
Do you think competing against some of the best players in the world on the daily will have the inverse effect?

One thing is for sure, Spurs may be the only mediocre team in league history where snubbed stars gear up every game to play us:lol
Trae and Ja are going to give us both barrels.

One thing for sure, Keldon's stock is growing every day if Spurs would dangle him to get a Collins or Simmons (not that I want that but just saying).

Keldon is getting a lot of opportunities, and I think he is making the most of it, working on his game every day as we speak.

The media will see him as a budding star (especially if team USA wins), and could even possibly crack the AS selection next season if it continues.

[GAustex]

Keldon in and DDR not

[TD 21]

Of course Pop being the head coach played a part in this, but the circumstances created a context that probably played a bigger part.

Either way, I don't care about the optics. This organization has had so much bad luck in the past half decade, if this can contribute to being a springboard to helping him eventually reach an unforeseen level, so be it.



Thrilled for KJ.

Selfish Spurs question here:

Anybody concerned that the Olympic commitment may cause Keldon’s development to plateau this year?
or
Do you think competing against some of the best players in the world on the daily will have the inverse effect?

One thing is for sure, Spurs may be the only mediocre team in league history where snubbed stars gear up every game to play us:lol
Trae and Ja are going to give us both barrels.

Good question. In the grand scheme, this'll probably do more good than harm in an intangible sense.

[Neo.]

great now spurfan will anoint him as the next new megastar for 3 years then when he undoubtedly doesnt meet expectation will write him off as the worst player in the league and expect him to be utterly useless wherever he goes :lol

[baseline bum]

I'm rooting for Keldon, but this isn't a good choice for Team USA. Playing with fire, & risking the gold medal by adding guys who aren't even in the top 55% of league players.

fify

[KobesAchilles]

I mean Beal is a SG with good size. Why would you replace him with midgets like Ja and Trae. They already have guys who give zero effort defensively. Why add 2 more to that mix? Atleast Keldon will hustle and has some size and can rebound. He also won’t be looking for his own number the whole time and will defer. Good choice by Pop

[Robz4000]

fify

Eh, Keldon is above average; 40% of players are better imo.

[baseline bum]

Eh, Keldon is above average; 40% of players are better imo.

Statistically he's a little below average for an NBA player. Eye test agrees.

[Robz4000]

Statistically he's a little below average for an NBA player. Eye test agrees.

The shittiness of the system made him look worse than he is. The fact team USA is full of shooters should benefit his style of play.

[Uriel]

US players are entitled and most stars want to preserve themselves for future contracts. America has a selfish culture.
Selfish isn’t the word I would use. More like, individualistic. There’s greater emphasis on the individual and less on the collective.

[Dejounte]

Selfish isn’t the word I would use. More like, individualistic. There’s greater emphasis on the individual and less on the collective.

yup, and tbh I didn’t mean to sound harsh. I dont blame them for being less motivated to represent this country after all the division that’s happened the past year or so

[baseline bum]

yup, and tbh I didn’t mean to sound harsh. I dont blame them for being less motivated to represent this country after all the division that’s happened the past year or so

Shit, I'd never play in the Olympics if I was an NBA star. Maybe as a borderline all-star if it got me some high dollar endorsements, but otherwise hell naw. Not after seeing how the shitty olympics ended David Robinson's prime.

[SpursDynasty85]

Statistically he's a little below average for an NBA player. Eye test agrees.

His role in the second half of the year was just run and wait on the corner 3.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/paulgarcianba/status/1416179716407562240?s=21

LETS GOOOOOOO

[SAGirl]

Really excited for Keldon, I think it will help him with his growth as a player. :flag:

[heyheymymy]

KJ is a fun player to watch develop

[tonight...you]

https://twitter.com/paulgarcianba/status/1416179716407562240?s=21

LETS GOOOOOOO
Helping him how to get to a super team.
Except for LaVine. That dude is just a recruiter.


I kid! I think...

[exstatic]

True, but Pop likes to "spread the floor" and you can't do that in NCAA/FIBA due to the short 3-point line. A zone defense can pack it in and still defend the three.

Put Trae on the court and they have to come way out -- then, with his phenomenal passing skills, the whole offense opens up.

Unless they were playing FIBA exhibitions on a non FIBA court, the 3 point line is the same. The FIBA court has changed over the years. Remember the trapezoidal lane?

[Chinook]

Thrilled for KJ.

Selfish Spurs question here:

Anybody concerned that the Olympic commitment may cause Keldon’s development to plateau this year?
or
Do you think competing against some of the best players in the world on the daily will have the inverse effect?

One thing is for sure, Spurs may be the only mediocre team in league history where snubbed stars gear up every game to play us:lol
Trae and Ja are going to give us both barrels.

Keldon's a role-player, so him having to play in a tournament where he's not being encouraged to dribble-drive or create will help him. Not all development is toward being a one-on-one offensive star.

[PhantomDashCam]

Keldon's a role-player, so him having to play in a tournament where he's not being encouraged to dribble-drive or create will help him. Not all development is toward being a one-on-one offensive star.

When was this even mentioned?

Just want KJ to develop into a more well rounded player focusing specifically on an in-between game, 3pt shooting and Defensive Awareness.

Hard to focus on individual skill development under the constant pressure of essentially every game being a must-win.

I'm not writing him off on becoming a star, though he certainly is a role player atm.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/1416182106439495685?s=21

Nice hook shot and assist by KJ in this practice video.

[John B]

https://twitter.com/paulgarcianba/status/1416179716407562240?s=21

LETS GOOOOOOO

Damn we could see a morphed version of those 3, offense, defense and highlights, in Keldon :lol

[Chinook]

When was this even mentioned?

Just want KJ to develop into a more well rounded player focusing specifically on an in-between game, 3pt shooting and Defensive Awareness.

Hard to focus on individual skill development under the constant pressure of essentially every game being a must-win.

I'm not writing him off on becoming a star, though he certainly is a role player atm.

It's easier to develop as a role-player in a situation where you're unquestionably one versus in a system that's desperately looking for a star.

As far as when him being this offensive star was mentioned, you do know what his "church" thread is called, right?

[cjw]

He’s going to benefit a ton by being around those guys. And while he probably doesn’t play much, having some role players sprinkled in that do certain things well and complement stars is probably good for Team USA’s outlook. On most national teams, Keldon is one of their better rotation players.

[BuffaloBill]

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1416092333058183175 (https://mobile.twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1416092333058183175)


As a lot of posters have already pointed out, Big Body has confirmed that he is taller than his listed 6’5 height.

[toki9]

Here is a bit of interesting coverage from the Athletics:

"Friday morning, Johnson went into the team room at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where Team USA is staying, and Popovich asked Johnson, “Did your life change a little?” Johnson’s reply was, “What are you talking about?” because he doesn’t have Twitter. He hadn’t seen the various media reports that he was replacing Beal...

Johnson said he has several close family members and friends who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. When he told his parents, Rochelle and Chris Johnson, about being an Olympian, “my mom cried, my dad was choking up a little bit, everybody was like, because you know you pray for moments like this … it was a special moment.”

[koriwhat]

Here is a bit of interesting coverage from the Athletics:

"Friday morning, Johnson went into the team room at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where Team USA is staying, and Popovich asked Johnson, “Did your life change a little?” Johnson’s reply was, “What are you talking about?” because he doesn’t have Twitter. He hadn’t seen the various media reports that he was replacing Beal...

Johnson said he has several close family members and friends who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. When he told his parents, Rochelle and Chris Johnson, about being an Olympian, “my mom cried, my dad was choking up a little bit, everybody was like, because you know you pray for moments like this … it was a special moment.”

:tu

[koriwhat]

Keldon will be a star soon enough. I thought Lonnie would have a better trajectory but he just doesn't seem to have that fire like Keldon does.

[GAustex]

Get DDR out of the way and watch the young samplings grow

Hopefully

[tim_duncan_fan]

Get DDR out of the way and watch the young samplings grow

Hopefully

Then need to learn to dribble a basketball first.

I'm only halfway being flippant. Outside of Denar and Derrick, the rest of the team struggles with their handles.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Damn. Keldon tore it up against Spain: 15 points on 7-9 shooting including the only 3 he took. 3 boards, 2 steals, a damn nice block all in 17 minutes.

[Ocotillo]

I am happy for Keldon and Spurs fans. I was thinking with the physicality of FIBA he would actually be a good fit. On the other hand, I did not watch the game, should I be concerned he fouled out in 17 minutes?

[exstatic]

Damn. Keldon tore it up against Spain: 15 points on 7-9 shooting including the only 3 he took. 3 boards, 2 steals, a damn nice block all in 17 minutes.

He was the catalyst. He came in, and scored 10 in the 3rd, and the US went on a big run to open up the lead. I think he also hit the first 3 for the US, and Dame and KD followed the next 2 possessions.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I watched the game, and Keldon was easily the best player on the court. He's basically the only guy other than Lavine who's willing to cut to the basket, screen, fight for loose balls and do the dirty work. Draymond tries, but he looked anything but great last night. The USA was getting took last night before Keldon did his 3rd quarter magic. Durant and Lillard just weren't very good against Spain, IMO. They were both shot clock killers, and everyone would just stand around and watch whenever one of them had the ball. ISO ball might kill this team.

Seeing Pau out there manhandling our post players was pretty sad. We have no size or ability to play old-school post-up basketball.

[SpurSpike]

Wow do we have our star player?

Keldon is only 21 and on his 1st game with team USA is the second highest scorer on a team full of Stars!

Granted most of his point came from assists but if anything this solidifies that he can be a strong second option on a really good team.

[Rummpd]

Good for KJ now Pop will surely figure a way to screw up a good thing

[TD 21]

Wow do we have our star player?

Keldon is only 21 and on his 1st game with team USA is the second highest scorer on a team full of Stars!

Granted most of his point came from assists but if anything this solidifies that he can be a strong second option on a really good team.

His rudimentary ball skills need to improve significantly for this to even become a remote possibility, but he is the only one of the youth who seemingly has a conceivable, non zero chance of becoming one.

Based on a single exhibition game, playing off of some elite talent and being an afterthought for the opposing defense? Wow.

[John B]

Keldon may not be a 1st option kind of player right now. But if you put him in a contender with a tier 1 player, he would tear it up with plenty of open lanes, until he develops a goto move, maybe backing down smaller defenders and multiple fakes. I mean Demar is a great offensive player, if only he would shoot the 3’s.

[Mr. Body]

The task of bringing the players in from the Finals and integrating them on the fly, starting against a good France team and only getting three games in the group before knockouts, is a massive task. I think Zach Levine is in protocols right now, too.

[widowmaker]

The task of bringing the players in from the Finals and integrating them on the fly, starting against a good France team and only getting three games in the group before knockouts, is a massive task. I think Zach Levine is in protocols right now, too.

If lavine is entering protocols that whole team will as well. Who would be left after that?

[Mr. Body]

If lavine is entering protocols that whole team will as well. Who would be left after that?

Jerami Grant just came out, so I dunno. They seem to be catching and confining them so far I guess.

[mikec]

If lavine is entering protocols that whole team will as well. Who would be left after that?

I read that it's not clear if an extra player can be added to the roster. I think they add Darius Garland on the roster as he has been with the team for the last few weeks. I hope the Bucks close out the Suns tomorrow. It will give Middleton, Holiday and Booker a little bit of time to recover before heading to Japan.

[John B]

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/blob:https://www.spurstalk.com/38439878-ef23-4428-93dd-fe9799aed621https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/blob:https://www.spurstalk.com/71a80ab6-1b04-423d-8efa-6e5922208c3e

[buttsR4rebounding]

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/blob:https://www.spurstalk.com/38439878-ef23-4428-93dd-fe9799aed621https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/blob:https://www.spurstalk.com/71a80ab6-1b04-423d-8efa-6e5922208c3e

Food for thought

[dbestpro]

So the question is will Johnson be given the star treatment by NBA refs and take advantage of his new found fame?

[Dex]

The task of bringing the players in from the Finals and integrating them on the fly, starting against a good France team and only getting three games in the group before knockouts, is a massive task. I think Zach Levine is in protocols right now, too.

Agreed, this is being seriously underestimated. Three of the best players will not have played a single minute with the team and are gonna be exhausted from playing some of the hardest games of their lives.

Also...kinda sucks for WHOEVER wins the Finals, because instead of basking in their glory and celebrating with their team and city, they're probably gonna have to pack up and fly to Tokyo ASAP. I wouldn't and all be surprised to see one of the victors decide to pull out, because when they committed they probably had no idea they'd be playing a Game 6 and potentially Game 7 for the championship.


Jerami Grant just came out, so I dunno. They seem to be catching and confining them so far I guess.

The Grant thing was weird. The tweet I read said he did NOT test positive for COVID...but assuming he is vaccinated, what else would cause that? Showing other symptoms maybe?

[hater]

Too bad the games will be canceled du to covid nigs :pctoss

[SpursDynasty85]

The task of bringing the players in from the Finals and integrating them on the fly, starting against a good France team and only getting three games in the group before knockouts, is a massive task. I think Zach Levine is in protocols right now, too.

It does seem like a tall task but at least having them on the bench and not in the starting lineup might make more sense. Also I wonder by the fact the finals are being coached by Pop's disciples (Coach Bud and Monty), it may be easier to integrate their players.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/thetyjager/status/1418050033476415488?s=21

If Keldon ever emerges into a star…. He will be America’s golden boy with that charming personality

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/thetyjager/status/1418050033476415488?s=21

If Keldon ever emerges into a star…. He will be America’s golden boy with that charming personality

I wish, but ESPN despises small markets. They hold a special grudge against San Antonio for not funnelling Kawhi to LA like they wanted.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/bleacherreport/status/1418217018851950614?s=21

[Rummpd]

I wish, but ESPN despises small markets. They hold a special grudge against San Antonio for not funnelling Kawhi to LA like they wanted.

F ESPN and despite their hate he will likely star and maybe become a superstar- he has the It factor White, Murray others seem to lack