Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) passes the ball guarded by Kings center Domantas (11) during the preseason NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2026.
Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-News
Spurs forward Keldon Johnson was at his high-energy best both during and after Friday night’s 126-97 preseason-ending victory over Sacramento.
After finishing with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes, the 2026 Sixth Man of the Year held court in the locker room, entertaining reporters, team staffers and a few slow-dressing teammates with his chatter.
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When he finally left the Frost Bank Center wearing an orange-and-white Texas ball cap, he looked he still had plenty left in his tank to work late into the night doing chores at his Boerne ranch if needed.
After losing at least 15 pounds in the offseason, the 6-foot-6, 215-pound Johnson is raring to go and ready to prove the slimmed-down version of himself can be just as robust as the one that produced 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists while becoming the only NBA player in 2025-26 to play in all 82 games without a start.
“I feel like I’m better,” the eighth-year pro and longest-tenured current Spur said when asked about his makeover.
“All-around game, I’m faster, just as strong. I feel like it’s just staying this weight and staying disciplined is the most important thing. And I feel like I can do that. Obviously, I was a little bit heavier last year, but I like where I’m at. Like I said, I’m moving good, my body feels good. And, overall, I just feel like I’m a better player when I’m lighter.”
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This isn’t the first time Johnson lost a considerable amount of weight in the summer. He came into the 2022-23 season 21 pounds lighter after hiring a personal chef. This time around, he said he did it by “eating at home as much as possible” and “skipping snacks.”
“One thing Keldon has proved over time is regardless of his weight, I don’t think anybody would ever have perceived him as lacking strength,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said.
The coach expects Johnson, who will make $17.5 million this season in the final year of the four-year, $80 million extension he signed in July 2022, to be “more explosive vertically” and be in better shape “to play longer.”
“Whatever it may be, it’s hard to think there’s not more positives,” Mitch Johnson said. “And I think the energy he’s playing at right now is a reflection of that.”
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San Antonio Spurs player Keldon Johnson holds the microphone out after telling fans to yell “Go Spurs Go” following the Silver & Black Scrimmage at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio Spurs’ Devin Vassell (24) slaps hands with Keldon Johnson (3) as they prepare to take on the Atlanta Hawks in the preseason opener at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) drives to the basket guarded by Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Tyler Tate/Associated Press
Harper’s hot hand: Spurs guard Dylan Harper said he’ll enter the nationally televised opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night “very confident” in his outside shot after hitting a team-high 57.1% from 3-point range on 3.5 attempts in the preseason.
The Spurs host the Thunder in a rematch of the 2026 Western Conference finals, won by the Spurs in seven games, at 8:30 p.m. at the Frost Bank Center.
“I’ve worked at it all summer, so there’s no reason for me to be hesitant,” Harper said of his perimeter shooting. “No reason to pull back. Biggest thing is just taking the right shots at the right time.”
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The 20-year-old second-year pro drafted No. 2 overall in 2025 led the Spurs in preseason scoring with a 14.8 average after tallying 19 points against the Kings on 7 of 12 from the field (3 of 6 from distance). Last season, he hit 34.3% from downtown on 2.6 attempts on his way to averaging 11.8 points.
“Through the year last year, (his outside shot) was incrementally improving, and he’s a ridiculously talented young player who has really matured and really started to build a foundation of habits,” Mitch Johnson said.
With the Spurs starting a speedy, downhill three-guard lineup of Harper, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle to go along with Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama, the team needs Harper to shoot well from deep to help spread the floor.
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“I think shooting from the perimeter was a big thing for me” to work on in the offseason, Harper said. “And I think just getting more comfortable with my shot, get more comfortable shooting off the dribble, and just try to be as efficient as I can.”
Housekeeping moves: The Spurs took care of some housekeeping duties Saturday, announcing their opening night 17-man roster (with one standard contract spot still open) and exercising their fourth-year team option on Castle and their third-year options on Harper and Carter Bryant for the 2027-28 season.