By Jonas Clark
The second pick in the 2019 NBA Draft for the San Antonio Spurs may be considered the most hyped by Spurs fans and for good reason. It was announced today that the first year guard out of Kentucky, Keldon Johnson, has been named a Western Conference Midseason All G-League Team selection in recognition of his dominant performances with the Austin Spurs.
Where most rookies are already contributing for their NBA teams, Johnson’s stint in the G-League may be more due to the log-jam at his position (shooting guard / small forward) in San Antonio – but he’s making the most of it. Averaging 20 points, five rebounds and two assists in 29 games with Austin this season has earned him this honor, and a frequent flier miles with the San Antonio Spurs for a growing number of games this season.
His 20.1 points per game rank him 12th overall when compared to other All G-League Team eligible guards, and he is the only pick from his draft class on the Midseason All G-League Team for either conference.
Some midseason @keIdonjohnson highlights in honor of his Western Conference Midseason #AllGLeague Team selection ⤵️🔥#ATXSpurs15 #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/Jex9ODdtLk
— Austin Spurs (@austin_spurs) February 10, 2020
In their announcement of the All G-League rosters Monday, the NBA reminded fans of the pool players were selected from.
“Eligibility for players to be selected for recognition is based on having played in 50 percent of their team’s games and being on an Active Roster. Two-Way players and players on assignment from the NBA are eligible to both vote for and receive Midseason All-NBA G League recognition.”
Keldon is the lone Spur selection to the Midseason All G-League Team, as most teams have one or two, though the Memphis Hustle (Grizzlies affiliate) lead the way with four players. Spurs fans may wonder why Keldon’s fellow rookies, mainly Luka Samanic and Quinndary Weatherspoon weren’t on the roster. I would just note that their play hasn’t been as consistent night in and night out as Johnson’s has. The G-League has not released any voting results other than the roster selections at this moment.
What do you think? Should Keldon have even been in Austin for half of this season to be eligible for this selection? Were Luka, Quinndary or another Austin Spur snubbed in the voting? Let me know on Twitter @jarkclonas, @projectspurs, or leave a comment below.
