- Keyontae Johnson had a heart condition in 2020 that saw him collapse during a game
- He was cleared for action in 2022 and was picked by the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Johnson impressed in the Summer League this year
Keyontae Johnson’s journey to the NBA can rightly be described as amazing after the former Norview High School star was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 50th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
What makes the journey to the NBA a wholesome story is how Johnson returned to take the floor after he was diagnosed with an ‘Athlete’s heart’ after collapsing during a game playing with the University of Florida in 2020.
The condition saw Johnson slip into a coma for three days, and it took him two years to return to court.
In 2022, he was cleared for action and played his first game after committing to Kansas State where he averaged a career-high 17.4 points per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor and 38.9 percent from three-point range.
This year April, the Virginia native officially declared for the NBA Draft and began working out for teams after a green signal from the NBA’s Fitness to Play panel on May 26, 2023. On June 22, he was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft by OKC and signed a two-way contract with the franchise on July 7.
He had a strong showing at the Summer League last month averaging 12.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game across five games.
That he will suit up alongside the likes of Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Lu Dort, and Victor Oladipo is so wholesome to see, especially after the health scare that put a question mark on his promising career.
Fans React To Keyontae Johnson’s Journey To The NBA
When news of Johnson being picked by the Oklahoma City Thunder broke, NBA fans across the country expressed happiness. Here are some responses from fans who hoped he would impress in the league as well:
“Great story man.”
“Glad they took a chance on him.”
“You love to see it.”
“Told y’all to stop sleeping on KJ!!”
“Also he lets the game come to him, was watching the Orlando game yesterday and he wasn’t forcing anything at all… definitely got the potential to stay in the league for a while”
From an analyst’s perspective, Johnson’s story is more than just the numbers or his skills that propelled him to the NBA. To come back from a life-altering health condition speaks volumes about his grit and determination, and there is no doubt that he will be a valuable asset to the Thunder.
Safe to say, it’s Johnson’s time to rumble.
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