NBA Notes: Spurs, Keldon Johnson, Raptors, Collin Murray-Boyles, expansion

Spurs

Keldon Johnson didn’t love the move at first. Few players would.

Now? It’s working. For him and the Spurs.

Johnson has settled into a sixth man role and is making a real case for postseason recognition, as Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News detailed. He’s averaging 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting efficiently across the board.

More than that, he’s found his place on a deep, winning team.

“I feel like when you want to win, you got to remove your ego, especially when we got the team we have,” Johnson said. “We all want to see each other be successful. I had to pull my ego away and say, ‘This is what’s best for the team.’”

Johnson was a full-time starter not long ago. Now he’s anchoring the second unit on a 50-win team. Different role. Same impact.

Raptors

Collin Murray-Boyles looks close. The Raptors’ rookie forward practiced Tuesday after missing eight straight games with a sprained left thumb, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.

The Raptors will see how he responds before deciding on his status for Wednesday in Chicago. Even if that comes too soon, a return during the current road trip is expected.

Before the injury, Murray-Boyles had carved out a steady role. He started 18 of his last 19 games and averaged 9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and nearly three assists over that stretch, while shooting better than 60 percent from the field.

Not flashy numbers. But productive. And missed. Toronto could use him back in the mix.

Expansion

Expansion talk is picking up again. And this time, the money may be too big to ignore.

If the league adds two teams, revenue would be split 32 ways instead of 30. That has long been a sticking point for current owners.

But as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, expansion fees could exceed $7 billion per team. That’s a significant one-time payout for existing ownership groups.

There’s also the international angle.

Joe Vardon of The Athletic noted that a proposed NBA Europe league could open up new revenue streams, helping offset the long-term dilution. Interest is already forming, with ownership groups tied to clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle United expected to pursue teams.

In other words, the math may finally be changing. And when that happens, expansion tends to follow.