After shedding at least 15 pounds in the offseason, Keldon Johnson is already showing why he believes he’s a “better” player, lighting up the Sacramento Kings for 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists in a preseason-ending 126-97 victory on Friday night. The 2026 Sixth Man of the Year was all over the court, pure high-energy, then kept that same vibe going in the locker room, cracking jokes and entertaining everyone. Dude’s got the juice, plain and simple, and he’s not slowing down.
The “Better” Version of Keldon Johnson Is Here
Johnson, now at a lean 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, feels like he’s ready to make some serious noise, and honestly, who’s gonna argue with the guy who played all 82 games last season without a single start? That’s an iron man, plain and simple. He wasn’t just healthy, he was putting up 13.2 points, 5.4 boards, and 1.4 assists a night. But he’s not resting on that, oh no. He came into this season looking to prove something, saying himself, “I feel like I’m better. 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.” He knows what he needs to do, and he’s doing it. He even admitted he was “a little bit heavier last year,” so this isn’t just a casual change, it’s a dedicated effort to level up.
This isn’t his first rodeo with a significant offseason transformation, either. Back before the 2022-23 season, he dropped 21 pounds after hiring a personal chef. This time, he says it came down to “eating at home as much as possible” and, get this, “skipping snacks.” Seriously, how many of us wish that was all it took to drop 15 pounds? It speaks to his discipline, not just on the court but off it, which is exactly what you want to see from a guy who’s about to hit the final year of his four-year, $80 million extension.
What Coach Mitch Johnson Sees Next
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson is definitely seeing the upside in this slimmed-down Keldon. He told reporters, “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.” That’s a huge vote of confidence right there. The coach expects Keldon to be “more explosive vertically” and in better shape to “play longer,” which for a guy who already played 82 games without missing a beat, is a scary thought for opponents. More Keldon? Yes, please. “Whatever it may be, it’s hard to think there’s not more positives,” Coach Johnson added, “And I think the energy he’s playing at right now is a reflection of that.”
As the regular season tips off, all eyes should be on how Keldon Johnson, now lighter and feeling “better,” translates this preseason energy into consistent, game-changing performances. This eighth-year pro is the longest-tenured Spur, and he’s clearly ready to show why he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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