The Atlanta Hawks should recall and play Jalen Johnson

The Atlanta Hawks only just scrpaed out a home win on the second night of a back-to-back. It was also the second night without John Collins who again sat out with his finger injury. Fortunately the implications of Collins missing both games were not that great as the Hawks won both.

However, prior to the Portland Trail Blazers game, the Hawks announced that Danilo Gallinari, who has stepped up in a huge way in Collins’ absence was also out. This meant that they had to start De’Andre Hunter at the four, Kevin Huerter at the three, and Delon Wright at the two which is a major reshuffle.

This worked against the Portland Trail Blazers who were fielding Josh Hart and a large number of young players. However, as the remaining 14 games come and go, there will be teams who will just attack the Hawks through this size weakness and it will potentially cost them with seeding. This is why they need to recall Jalen Johnson and play him.

Atlanta Hawks rookie Jalen Johnson has been strong in the G League.

While Johnson has only been back in the G League for two games, he reminded us what he can do in the first game back. Then, in his second game back against the Westchester Knicks, Johnson had another huge double-double.

Johnson was a major factor in helping to lift the injury-riddled College Park Skyhawks to an important victory. If they did not win either of the last two games then they were pretty much out of the playoff hunt.

Against the Knicks Johnson had another 20 point double-double. He collected 28 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal. This game was better than his game against the Windy City Bulls because he did not turn the ball over compared to six against the Bulls.

Johnson’s confidence level would be at an all-time high. Now is the chance for the Hawks to change their mentality towards playing their rookies and get him some NBA court time.