Jalen Johnson is an offense unto himself.
It's why, for the most part, Atlanta was so willing to part with Trae Young a month before last season's trade deadline. With the new face of their franchise leading the way, there didn't seem to be much of a need for another high-volume playmaker.
Every star has their weaknesses, though, and when games got broken down as the season came to a close - Johnson didn't excel. His performance during last postseason has clouded the memories of people discussing his 2025-26 breakout campaign.
The Hawks have rightfully adjusted, and their most-recent draftee, Kingston Flemings, could be the most important addition for their brightest star.
Johnson can continue his nightly operation, but thrive more as a play-finisher
That was the most noticeable difference in the transition between the Young and Johnson eras.
When Young was still on the roster, Johnson acted primarily as a play-finisher. He reliably set screens for Young to blast to the rim, while rolling as an option to catch a lob.
They each made life easier for one another, but once Johnson's handle and overall feel developed into something much greater, it made sense for Atlanta to cut ties with their lead guard.
An All-Star forward needs a lead guard, though. Someone who can get them back in pick-and-roll situations on the regular. As great as Johnson is as an offensive engine, it could benefit his game, and longevity, if he's put into more sets as a finisher.
Flemings provides such a different attack than CJ McCollum - who's set to open the season as Atlanta's starting point guard. With the rookie's proven excellent playmaking ability, the output of the duo could immediately be more effective than his two-man game with the veteran.
One of the NCAA's most efficient pick-and-roll artists last season, Flemings' early chemistry with Johnson could closely resemble the Young era - with one key difference.
Flemings can be a Swiss Army knife in Atlanta's scheme
He's known to move well off the ball, rebound at a quality rate for his size, run quicker than anyone else on the floor and defend with a unique level of aggressiveness.
An incredible playmaking repertoire in the middle of everything else he excels at will be a huge bonus for Atlanta, but mostly Johnson, as they strive for contention in the tough Eastern Conference.
Kingston Flemings could provide everything Jalen Johnson needs from a lead guard.
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