3 goals for Atlanta Hawks sophomore forward Jalen Johnson

The Atlanta Hawks had a stroke of luck in the 2021 NBA draft. Jalen Johnson did indeed fall to them late in the first round and they pounced on the opportunity to select the incredibly versatile forward out of Duke.

Johnson then had an incredibly frustrating season. He managed to play 22 games for the Hawks averaging 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 5.5 minutes per game. He did not show what he was truly capable of for the varsity squad with the exception of when John Collins was out. The rookie started to find his footing in the NBA until his luck ran out, going out with injury.

The thing about Johnson is that he is so multi-talented, that he struggled to find a place within the team. He needs to follow the right development path in the coming season, and if he can do this then he will start playing more for the Hawks.

The Atlanta Hawks will benefit from Jalen Johnson developing in the G League

When Johnson started playing for the College Park Skyhawks, he was inefficient and struggled to have an impact on the Skyhawks being able to win games. Then he started to show that he was willing to learn, even taking a game-winner, which showed how much he was willing to take a team on his shoulders.

Still, despite not playing enough in the NBA last season, Johnson should have had another Summer League under his belt but had to have a non-surgical procedure on his knee. He will be back for training camp before, hopefully, establishing his place in the Hawks rotations. Now let’s look at the three goals for Johnson this season.