Atlanta Hawks All-Star Jalen Johnson took the league by storm last season, earning All-NBA honors. He averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, leading the Hawks into battle in 72 games.
It was an encouraging fifth year from Johnson after suffering a season-ending injury two years ago, but the league should anticipate another rise from the 24-year-old after this summer.
Johnson is back in the lab with LeBron
Recent pictures from basketball trainer Chris Johnson show Jalen training with LeBron James yet again. The two spent time together last summer as well, and the entire league witnessed the results.
It’s clear the four-time MVP sees something in Johnson, and he’s on record endorsing his bright future. On the Mind The Game podcast with co-host Steve Nash, James only had high praise to offer.
“I've mentioned Scottie Pippen, man. Obviously, he has a long way to go, but as far as the talent. You look at a guy with long arms, 6-foot-9, 6-10, runs like a deer, super athletic. He's improved his outside touch. Putting pressure on the rim. His ability to rebound. He can guard one through five for the majority of ones and fives, and his playmaking."
Those who have played with James in the past have always improved, especially those he’s mentored. Most recently, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves signed a four-year, $185 million contract, and he’s credited James on numerous occasions for helping to raise his game.
If Reaves can rise to an All-Star level from an undrafted prospect, then Johnson winning MVP in the future is a real possibility.
LeBron’s impact will help JJ become a true top option
As Johnson gets older, James' impact will continue to take shape. He is building muscle and becoming more confident by the day.
Both characteristics would’ve made a massive difference during the Hawks’ playoff series against the New York Knicks. Jalen’s ability to absorb contact was diminished by their physicality, and it’s clear his confidence took a massive dip.
Atlanta’s potential depends on how far Johnson can take them, and many pundits are still skeptical of his ceiling. One thing is irrefutable: the more Johnson learns from James, the more he is guaranteed to improve.
Considering that James signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, he still has plenty of lessons to give Johnson before he retires. Now the two will face each other multiple times in the Eastern Conference, giving Jalen even more lessons on the court.
The Sixers are favored to make the 2027 NBA Finals, and if Johnson wants to lead his Hawks deeper in the postseason, he might have to face his mentor to do so. It’s a poetic litmus test for Atlanta’s roster, but more importantly, for their franchise centerpiece.
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