Jalen Johnson is really good.
His development, which is still underway as he enters a new level of stardom, has required patience from fans and coaches alike. The player he is today is far from the player he was when he first entered the league, although there were always glimpses of excellence.
Most of the glimpses he showed, though, weren't with the main ball club. While he did suit up in 22 games for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2021-22 season, most of the real action he received was with their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.
A blessing in disguise for Johnson, and a similar situation unfolding for one of the team's newest rookies.
Their second-round steal doesn't have an immediate place in the rotation
Kingston Flemings - the eighth-overall pick - will likely be in the opening night rotation, in a limited role off the bench.
Zuby Ejiofor - Atlanta's second first-round pick - may not. At the very least, he'll be in major consideration to get subbed in after an injury to a frontcourt player.
Henri Veesaar - Atlanta's second-round pick - will be prioritized the least of the three, but could still be a vital contributor down the line. His impact just likely won't be felt a ton with the main ball club in his first NBA season.
In College Park with the Skyhawks, though, he'll have a great chance to develop, even while not on a two-way contract.
While a standard deal comes with guaranteed money, it doesn't confirm they won't be sent to the G League. Veesaar should, and likely will, spend the near entirety of his rookie campaign with the Skyhawks.
If their track record is any indicator, he'll be set up for long-term success after going through their developmental program. Recent success stories include Mo Gueye, Vit Krejci, Dominick Barlow and of course, Jalen Johnson.
Veesaar could be Atlanta's long-awaited answer down low, just not right now
It's why they didn't hesitate to select him when he fell all the way to the 52nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
For most of the offseason leading up to the annual draft, Veesaar was heavily-mocked to be a late first-round pick.
His draft slide could be due to a variety of reasons - most notably age and defensive potential - but the idea of him at his best gives Atlanta everything they've been needing.
A seven-footer who can shoot the lights out? Yes, please.
Now, it's time for him to develop properly with Atlanta's G League affiliate. His time will come when he's ready.
Add us as a preferred source on Google