Keldon Johnson’s bench adjustment sparks Spurs’ playoff revival in 2026

Keldon Johnson’s move from starting to the bench reinvigorated the Spurs, leading to a Sixth Man of the Year award and playoff success.

Texas ranch home to Spurs star A wrought iron gate opens to a single road leading up a hill near Boerne, Texas, where Keldon Johnson’s 22-acre ranch sprawls across the landscape. The property splits near the top, with a pasture on the right hosting around 20 playful miniature goats alongside five Highland cows, a chicken, a mini donkey named El Chapo, two horses named MuMu and Forest, and a pair of llamas called Bonnie and Clyde, added over Easter weekend. Nearby, a large pond with shallow and deep sections was recently expanded to fit a small boat, and a new wooden dock overlooks the water now stocked with koi, bass, crappie, and catfish. ## Family and friends share the ranch life Two smaller homes on the property provide space for friends and family, including Johnson’s older brother Kaleb, who played college basketball at Georgetown and briefly in the NBA G League, along with uncle Rob Ferguson, Marctavious Holmes (nicknamed “Tae”), Jatone Seward (“Tone”), and Jake Garrett. The group helps manage daily ranch tasks, from mending fences to rescuing goats whose heads get stuck in holes or controlling snakes that taught them the importance of proper feed storage. Kyle Johnson, the eldest brother, visits while on leave from the Air Force, where he serves on a flight crew refueling jets midair. ## Spurs forward earns Sixth Man honor Keldon Johnson, the 29th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, won the Sixth Man of the Year award after transitioning from a starting role to the bench, a move that revitalized both his career and the San Antonio Spurs. The forward became the second Spur ever to win the award, following Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili’s 2007-08 season. Johnson’s bench contributions helped San Antonio post a 62-20 record, while he became the first Spur in franchise history to score over 1,000 points off the bench in a single season. ## Bench role brings unexpected success After averaging a career-high 22 points as a starter in 2022-23, Johnson found himself shifting to a bench role just before Christmas that year when coach Gregg Popovich suggested it would benefit the team. Johnson embraced the change immediately. San Antonio’s turnaround to 62 wins and a playoff berth validated the decision, while Johnson’s personal accolade capped the transformation. He has since logged 201 of his last 202 regular-season games coming off the bench, including 159 over the past two seasons. ## Positive energy fuels locker room culture Johnson’s infectious personality has made him a central figure in the Spurs’ locker room, where he often carries a Bluetooth speaker blasting music before games. His pregame routine includes loud tunes ranging from Young Dolph to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” and Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.” Teammates like Stephon Castle describe Johnson as a consistent source of uplifting energy, with Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox and others joining in the locker room rituals like the “Dak Dance,” inspired by Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s warmup routine. ## Olympic and college highlights shape career Johnson’s journey includes his role as a DJ for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he helped pump up teammates despite limited playing time. Before that, he spent time at the University of Kentucky, where San Antonio general manager Brian Wright noticed his competitive fire during McDonald’s All-American practices in 2018. Wright recalled Johnson’s alpha mentality in drills, standing out among top prospects by going hard against marquee talent. ## Ranch life mirrors team spirit Johnson refers to his ranch as his “peace,” a retreat where he can unwind with family and friends after road trips and long game days. On New Year’s Eve, he hosted teammates at the property, though Victor Wembanyama has yet to visit. The ranch, purchased in 2022, reflects the inclusive atmosphere Johnson fosters, where everyone can find their niche and enjoy the outdoors. Uncle Rob Ferguson acts as an unofficial veterinarian, while another friend handles cooking duties, preparing soulful meals like jerk chicken and yellow rice. ## Playoff push and team dynamics With the Spurs facing the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 of their first-round series, Johnson’s bench role remains pivotal to their postseason hopes. The team aims to advance with a win, continuing a remarkable turnaround from missing the playoffs four straight seasons. Johnson’s leadership and energy have become cornerstones of San Antonio’s success, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike for his adaptability and commitment to the collective.