San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson has been named the 2025-26 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, marking the franchise’s second individual award winner in franchise history and the first for the Spurs since Manu Ginobili captured the honor in 2008.
Johnson, who played all 82 games off the bench this season, set a Spurs franchise record with 1,081 bench points, becoming the first player in team history to reach the 1,000-point mark as a reserve in a single season. His consistent performance throughout the campaign earned him recognition as the league’s top sixth man, edging out finalists Jaime Jaquez Jr. Of the Miami Heat and Tim Hardaway Jr. Of the Denver Nuggets.
The announcement came on April 22, 2026, with Johnson receiving the John Havlicek Trophy during the NBA Awards ceremony. His achievement highlights a significant personal milestone, as it represents his first individual NBA award after previously contributing to the United States Olympic team’s gold medal victory at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
Throughout the season, Johnson averaged 13.2 points per game while shooting 51.9% from the field, 36.3% from three-point range, and 79.4% from the free-throw line. He logged an average of 23.3 minutes per contest, demonstrating his value as a reliable rotational player who embraced his role coming off the bench after starting the majority of his career.
Reflecting on the honor, Johnson emphasized the team-first mentality that defined his season, stating that he had to “remove my ego, put the team first” to succeed in his new role. He credited the Spurs organization, coaching staff, and teammates for creating an environment where he could thrive while contributing to the team’s success.
The recognition places Johnson alongside Manu Ginobili as the only two Spurs players to ever win the Sixth Man of the Year award, further cementing his legacy within the franchise. His accomplishment also marks the second NBA award won by a Spurs player during the 2025-26 season, underscoring the team’s recent success in player development, and recognition.
As the Spurs continue to build around their young core, Johnson’s award serves as validation of the team’s culture and the effectiveness of their player development system. His willingness to adapt his role for the benefit of the team exemplifies the selfless approach that has turn into characteristic of San Antonio’s basketball philosophy.
The award presentation was met with an enthusiastic response from Johnson’s teammates, who organized a surprise celebration featuring cowboy hats and music to honor his achievement. This gesture demonstrated the strong camaraderie within the Spurs locker room and the genuine appreciation for Johnson’s contributions throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s recognition as the league’s top sixth man positions him as a key contributor to the Spurs’ future endeavors. His established role as a reliable sixth man provides the team with a consistent scoring option off the bench, which will be valuable as they pursue their goals in the competitive Western Conference.
For continued updates on the San Antonio Spurs and their players’ achievements throughout the 2025-26 NBA season, fans are encouraged to follow official team communications and reputable sports news outlets.
