The life of an NBA G Leaguer can change on a dime. Just ask Keshad Johnson.
On Saturday the former Arizona forward was preparing to play in the G League Winter Showcase in Orlando for the Miami Heat affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce. Miles away, the Heat were getting ready to play the Orlando Magic.
Johnson, as a two-way player, was listed as probable for the Heat’s game. If called upon, he’d only be an Uber ride away from the Kia Center where the Magic play.
Heat two-way players Keshad Johnson and Josh Christopher both playing for Heat’s affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, at the moment in the G League Showcase here in Orlando. Both are listed as probable also for the Heat tonight vs. Magic.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 21, 2024
As it was, the Heat didn’t need Johnson on Saturday, so he suited up for the Skyforce in the Winter Showcase, a single-game-elimination, winner-take-all tournament where the winning team gets to go home with $100,000.
The Skyforce won on Saturday to play themselves into the championship game Sunday evening against the Westchester Knicks.
Despite leading the Knicks for much of the game, the Skyforce ultimately fell 125-119. Johnson had a 10 point, 10 rebound double-double Sunday after going for 13 points and six rebounds Saturday.
Johnson got to show off his athleticism Sunday with a forceful slam.
KESHAD JOHNSON IS THE DEFINITION OF EXPLOSIVE!
He and the @sfskyforce lead 70-63 at the half in the G League Showcase Cup Finals on ESPN2. pic.twitter.com/GT8n45W2Ly
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 23, 2024
Heading into Sunday, Johnson was averaging 22.1 points and 8.7 rebounds with the Skyforce in 12 games. He’s shooting 54.9 percent from the field, in line with the 53 percent he shot last season at Arizona.
Johnson has made two appearances for the Heat this season, both coming earlier this month. Johnson’s former teammate Pelle Larsson meanwhile has carved out a bench role with the Heat.
While Johnson has gotten a taste of what life as an NBA player is like in Miami, he’s spent most of the last two months living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There can’t be a greater geographical disparity between two places on the American professional basketball map.
That’s life in the G League.
For now, Johnson’s professional direction is being handed out day by day. It appears his stay in Florida might be extended as the Heat have him listed as probable for Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Rest of Heat injury report for Monday:
Out: Josh Richardson (heel).
Probable: Keshad Johnson (G League), Josh Christopher (G League).
Available: Nikola Jovic (ankle), Pelle Larsson (ankle). https://t.co/r2gz43D3nU— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 22, 2024
Whether Johnson appears with the Heat Monday or not, it likely won’t be his last NBA opportunity this season.