SAN ANTONIO — The NBA offseason allows players to rest, recover from injuries, and work on their game before the new season begins.
However, for San Antonio Spurs' Keldon Johnson, the offseason offers a chance to give back to the San Antonio community and inspire the next generation of young basketball players.
"For me, giving back to the city of San Antonio is mandatory. Since I was a rookie, San Antonio has always brought me in and welcomed me with open arms with the fans and the San Antonio Spurs fan base."
Johnson isn't just saying the right things; he is proving it this summer.
The Spurs forward will host a summer basketball camp for kids in Alamo City on July 25-26. The camp is entirely free and for ages 8-15. It will be held at Cornerstone High School, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, 78258.
The camp aims to help young athletes in the city develop basketball skills and life lessons.
"At least I could do is give back to the next generation because I was one of those kids at one time. I was going to basketball camps and trying to learn as much as I can and trying to find inspiration," he said.
Johnson isn't just limiting his community outreach to San Antonio.
He is taking his goal of inspiring young athletes south of the Alamo City to Laredo, Texas.
The Spurs forward's summer kids' basketball camp, "Ballin on the Rio," will be in Laredo on Saturday, May 18, at 0-100 Sportsplex. The camp ($75.00) is for kids in second to eighth grade from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Participants will receive a free tee shirt, Johnson's autographed photo, guest speakers, and more.
He will also host a meet-and-greet following the camp from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Sames Super Center South, 802 South Zapata Hwy, in Laredo.
"We just try to expand that throughout Texas as well. We will have to camp down in the valley, and I'm excited," he said.
Since joining the team, Johnson has supported the San Antonio community and the surrounding cities.
Outside of basketball camps, he also supports local companies.
It was announced that he partnered with Beldon Roofing Company. This partnership will bring essential community events to San Antonio, such as this past Thanksgiving's Turkey Drive, where 300 turkeys were given to local families, and the Christmas Toy Drive, "Cheerful Slam Jam," where free toys were given to 400 kids on San Antonio's Eastside.
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Overall, Johnson has positively impacted the community since becoming a Spur.
He's contributed to keeping San Antonio's rivers clean and has gone above and beyond for Lanier High School.
Johnson does all this for the community because he's never forgotten where he's come from.
He once had NBA dreams, and he can relate to the young athletes who look to him for inspiration.
"I can relate too for a dream that I had," he said. "I'm excited. I can't wait. I'm excited to meet new people and have some fun."
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