Keldon Johnson Named 2025-2026 Sixth Man of the Year
Apr 21, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Keldon Johnson has been officially named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 2025-2026 season, rewarding his personal sacrifice in service of the Spurs. The 26-year-old forward fully embraced his new role coming off the bench, becoming a key element of his franchise’s success this season.
A Personal Sacrifice Rewarded with a Historic Trophy
Johnson dominated the vote with 404 total points and 63 first-place votes, clearly ahead of Jaime Jaquez Jr. from Miami (331 points and 34 first-place votes). Tim Hardaway Jr. from Denver rounded out the finalist podium. The former Kentucky Wildcat joins Tyler Herro as the only former Wildcats to win this award.
« I wanted to be part of something special here in San Antonio, » Johnson said on ESPN after the announcement. « I knew that to truly be the best for our team, coming off the bench was probably my best option. At first it was tough. I had to control my ego and put the team first. After that, the sky was the limit. »
Johnson’s transformation perfectly illustrates the Spurs’ evolution since the arrival of Victor Wembanyama. After being the team’s leading scorer in 2022-2023 with 22 points per game, Johnson agreed to redefine his role. This season, he averaged 13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game, with remarkable shooting splits: 51.9% from the field, 36.3% from three-point range, and 79.4% from the free-throw line.
« At first it was tough. I had to really ruin my ego and put the team first. After that the sky was the limit. »
— Keldon Johnson what it took to the win Sixth Man of the Year award. pic.twitter.com/R5NEjkRwDo
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 22, 2026
Records Broken and a Stronger Team Culture
The forward set a new franchise record with 1,081 points scored off the bench this season, surpassing Manu Ginóbili‘s 927 points during his winning campaign in 2007-2008. He becomes the first player in Spurs history to surpass the 1,000-point mark as a reserve.
« He sacrificed more than anyone on this team in my opinion in terms of stats and playing time, and outshined everyone on the team because he is the soul of this team, » said Victor Wembanyama, recently named Defensive Player of the Year. « He brings energy no matter what time of day it is. He deserves to be the Sixth Man of the Year. »
Coach Mitch Johnson also praised his player’s impact: « This kid throws himself on the floor everywhere. He puts his body on the line for the good of the team every game. He is the heart and soul of this team. » This recognition crowns a remarkable transformation for Johnson, who adapted his game to the team’s collective needs and contributed to the Spurs’ return among the top teams in the Western Conference.
Keldon Johnson joins Manu Ginóbili as the only two players to win the Sixth Man of the Year award with San Antonio 🤝
Johnson set a Spurs franchise record with 1,081 bench points this season, passing Ginóbili, who scored 927 during his 2007-08 Sixth Man of the Year season. pic.twitter.com/EWOkAf9loA
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 22, 2026
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