Why the New York Knicks Should Sign Slam Dunk Champion Keshad Johnson

Keshad Johnson (#16) in action for the Miami Heat. Photo by Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images

Introduction: Who Is Keshad Johnson?

Imagine a player who can fly through the air like a superhero, guard the other team’s best player no matter their size, and protect the basket like a giant—even though he’s not that tall. That’s Keshad Johnson.

In February 2025, Johnson won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest—the competition where players show off their most jaw-dropping, gravity-defying dunks. But he’s not just a dunker. This past season with the Miami Heat, he proved he can play real, winning basketball on both offense and defense.

Now, the New York Knicks have an open roster spot and a specific need. Could Johnson be the missing piece? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

The Knicks’ Big Man Problem

IMPORTANT POINT: The Knicks lost their starting center, Mitchell Robinson, to the Boston Celtics. He did two things exceptionally well:

1. Grabbed rebounds like a magnet (giving the Knicks extra chances to score)
2. Played versatile defense—he could protect the rim and switch onto quick guards

The Knicks signed Andre Drummond, who is great at rebounding (job #1 ). But they’re still missing job #2: a defender who can guard both big guys and speedy guards. That’s where Johnson comes in.

Switchable Defense: Johnson’s Secret Weapon

What does "switchable defense" mean?
Imagine you’re guarding a big forward, but then he sets a screen (a pick) for a tiny, lightning-fast guard. A "switchable" defender can seamlessly swap assignments and guard both players effectively. It’s like being bilingual—but for basketball defense.

Johnson’s Switchable Superpowers:

• Guards forwards AND centers (bigger players) — his normal job
• Can switch onto elite guards like Tyrese Maxey (one of the fastest players in the NBA!)
• Uses his long arms to bother shooters without getting beaten off the dribble
• Holds his ground against big men like Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner

Real-Life Example:

Against the 76ers, Johnson started guarding Trendon Watford. When Watford set a screen for Tyrese Maxey, Johnson didn’t panic. He stepped out, used his length to contest Maxey’s shot, and forced a pass. That’s NBA-level defensive IQ.

Rim Protection: Small But Mighty

What is "rim protection"?
It’s the ability to stop opponents from scoring at the basket—by blocking shots, altering attempts, or just making drivers think twice.

The crazy stat: Despite being only 6’6" (short for a center), Johnson ranked 4th in the ENTIRE NBA as a rim protector last season (per Crafted NBA). He was one of only TWO small forwards in the top 20.

How Does a 6’6" Guy Protect the Rim?

1. Incredible timing — he jumps at the perfect moment
2. Elite quickness — beats drivers to the spot
3. Vertical pop — gets high fast (hello, dunk contest champ!)
4. Smart positioning — knows where to be before the play happens

Example Play:

Johnson was guarding a shooter in the corner. The opposing point guard (Josh Giddey) had a wide-open lane to the basket. The Knicks’ big man (Bam Adebayo) was pulled away. Johnson sprinted across the court, beat Giddey to the rim, forced a tough floater, and high-pointed the ball (touched it at its highest point) to cause a miss. That’s weak-side help defense at its finest.

The 3-Point Shot: Work in Progress

The concern: Johnson has only taken 51 three-pointers in his NBA career and shoots 31.4% (below the league average of ~36%).

The hope:

• In his final college year (Arizona), he shot 38.7% from three and 39.6% on catch-and-shoot attempts
• Expert scouts (like Sam Vecenie) say his mechanics are clean and "there’s nothing broken with his shot"
• He takes 41% of his shots from three — he’s not afraid to let it fly
• Key trait: He keeps shooting even after misses — shows confidence

Real Example:

Missed a three → stayed ready → ball kicked out to him → drained the next one over a 7-footer. That "short memory" is vital for a role player.

Why Johnson Makes Sense for New York

He’s not perfect: Small sample size, undersized for full-time center, limited offensive game.

But: He gives the Knicks optionality—a Swiss Army knife instead of a "plodding third center." In today’s NBA, versatility wins championships.

Summary

• Keshad Johnson = Slam Dunk Champ + Elite Switchable Defender + Surprise Rim Protector
• The Knicks lost Mitchell Robinson’s defensive versatility — Johnson replicates that specific skill set
• Ranked 4th in NBA rim protection at 6’6" — rare and valuable
• 3-point shot developing — college numbers & mechanics suggest it’ll come
• Fits Knicks’ need for a young, flexible big who can defend multiple positions
• Low-risk, high-upside signing for a team with championship aspirations

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Wait, he won the Slam Dunk Contest? Is he just a dunker?

No! The dunk contest shows his explosive athleticism, but his actual NBA value is defense. The hops help him block shots and finish lobs, but his defensive IQ, versatility, and motor are why he belongs in the league.

2. He’s only 6’6". How can he play center?

In modern NBA "small-ball" lineups, teams often play 6’6"-6’8" guys at center to gain speed and switching ability. Johnson did it successfully for the Heat. He’s not a full-time center, but he gives the Knicks 15-20 quality minutes there.

3. What does "weak-side help defense" mean?

Imagine the ball is on the right side of the court. You’re guarding someone on the left (the "weak side"). If the defense breaks down, you rotate over to protect the rim. Johnson is elite at this — he reads plays early and gets there fast.

4. Why not just sign a traditional 7-foot center?

Traditional centers often can’t guard guards or switch on screens. In the playoffs, opponents hunt those mismatches. Johnson’s switchability keeps the Knicks’ defense connected — no weak link to attack.

5. Is he expensive?

No! As a second-year player on a minimum or two-way contract, he’s extremely affordable. The Knicks can sign him without using cap space or exceptions — a no-brainer "flier" on talent.

Final Thought: Sometimes the best moves aren’t the flashiest. Signing a 23-year-old dunk champion who guards 1-5, protects the rim like a giant, and shoots threes with confidence? That’s a steal — exactly the kind of move championship teams make.