NBA Future Watch: Keyontae Johnson Basketball Cards, OKC Thunder NBA Future Watch: Keyontae Johnson Basketball Cards, OKC Thunder – Keyontae Johnson has indicated that he doesn’t want to be remembered for the worst moment of his life, but he is being noted for how he has bounced back from that terrible incident. The sudden cardiac arrest on December 12, 2020, horrified the basketball world and provided Johnson with every excuse not to even make it to the NBA. But he has made it and is a piece for the future with an outstanding Oklahoma City team.

The path that thankfully did not end with the on-court collapse began with youth basketball in Norfolk, VA. That led to stints at IMG Academy, Oak Hill Academy, and the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. As a four-star prospect, Johnson fielded offers from many top programs before choosing Florida.

Johnson started his freshman season as a reserve before claiming a starting spot. He advanced to first team All-SEC status in his sophomore season. The junior campaign ended early due to the cardiac incident and subsequent recovery period. With the Gators taking a “better safe than sorry” approach to reinstating him, Johnson entered the transfer portal and selected Kansas State.

NBA Future Watch: Keyontae Johnson Basketball Cards, OKC Thunder The story could have peaked at that point, with Johnson simply returning to the court and completing his college career. However, a reinvigorated Johnson had his best season in the Wildcat colors. This symbolized by posting 15 points and 11 rebounds against Florida in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on January 28, 2023. 17.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and .405 3% indicated to pro scouts that Johnson was a legitimate swingman prospect. He was selected by the Thunder with the 50th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

With a franchise that is simultaneously young and win-now, Johnson spent most of his time with the Oklahoma City Blue in the G League continuing to develop his game. With 19.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG and .392 3%, Johnson demonstrated ongoing growth. Additional improvement with ball-handling and defense would be able to help Johnson completely transcend his status as an inspiration. He can become a true contributor on one of the NBA’s most promising franchises of the 2020s.

Johnson’s cards and stickers date to 2023, with an array of parallels and inserts available. Panini and Donruss are represented. There’s also great memorabilia on the market, some autographed, including jerseys and patches.

NBA Future Watch: Keyontae Johnson Basketball Cards, OKC Thunder – Stats

NBA Future Watch: Keyontae Johnson Basketball Cards, OKC Thunder Statistical image generated on Sports Reference 06/08/2024.

NBA Future Watch: Keyontae Johnson Basketball Cards, OKC Thunder – More Resources

NBA Future Watch: Keyontae Johnson Basketball Cards, OKC Thunder – Image Gallery


GoGTS.net is happy to feature the thoughts of our contributors. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
Rick Morris

Related Posts