Unlocking Jalen Johnson's true potential key for Hawks in 2024-25

The Atlanta Hawks changed the trajectory of their franchise on July 29th, 2021, when they selected Duke small forward Jalen Johnson with the 20th pick in the NBA Draft. The front office decided to send him down to the NBA G-League during the 2021-22 season, where he averaged 20.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Of course, the NBA’s talent is another level, but he showcased his superstar potential very early. 

After some roster and coaching changes, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder gave Johnson more time in the rotation to prove himself. Snyder normally doesn’t trust younger players to win games. After John Collins was traded to the Utah Jazz in July 2023, Johnson was slated to become a starter for the 2023-24 season. Johnson shined on the world stage, becoming a true candidate for the Most Improved Player award. He performed at a star level all year, increasing his stats from 5.6 points, 4.0 rebounds per game and 1.2 assists to a 16.0/8.7/3.6 line. 

Throughout the season, Johnson would put himself on the radars of casual NBA fans with numerous highlight plays such as his posterizing dunk over Los Angeles Lakers fan favorite Austin Reaves. His athleticism in the open court is something to behold and it will be extremely difficult for opposing defenses to stop him on the fastbreak as he gets stronger.

He has grown in muscle mass every off-season and by his mid-to-late 20s, he will have a world-class combination of athleticism and strength. His defense improved substantially and this could also be credited to his physique.

Multiple websites list Johnson’s height as 6’ 8 to 6’10. Analysts who have seen him in person attest that he is indeed  6’10. The Hawks haven’t had an athletic point forward of this caliber in a very long time and his versatility brings so much to the Hawks' offense.

Trading Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans beckoned questions of a secondary ball handler behind Trae Young. Johnson’s status as a point forward has increased his role in Snyder’s offense to a play initiator and he will take on some of the playmaking responsibilities. He will have great shooters like Young, Zaccharie Risacher, and Bogan Bogdanovic as offensive weapons, creating a truly unique system in Atlanta. 

How high is Jalen Johnson's ceiling with Hawks?

As the 2024-25 season is set to begin, Johnson is entering the last year of his rookie scale contract and he is bound for a massive payday. He possesses the potential to be a top-10 forward, and he is considered an ‘untouchable’ amongst the 15-man roster. Many pundits in NBA media believe Johnson will sign an extension from $150 million upwards to $200 million over five years, locking him up for the foreseeable future. 

His impact on the court is vital for the future of the Hawks, and his impact off the court is arguably more important. On August 5th, Johnson announced the creation of the Jalen Johnson Foundation, a charity designed to benefit upcoming youths. Johnson grew up with both parents in his life and is aware of the resources needed to achieve a world-class dream. The foundation cites the following according to the website:

“Our mission is to empower and uplift youth in the communities where Jalen is from, lives, and works. We are dedicated to investing in the next generation by providing resources, opportunities, and support to help young people reach their full potential.” 

He is already an inspiration to many young athletes from Wisconsin to Atlanta, and his passion for the community has benefited many throughout their own journeys. As he progresses year by year, the on-court success will translate to fortune for others who really need it, increasing the foundation’s notoriety every season in the process.

The Hawks were extremely lucky to acquire a draft steal such as Johnson, and if a redraft of the 2021 NBA draft were to occur, there's no doubt he would be a top-5 pick. The athletic point forward will develop into something the Hawks have never had before alongside the greatest point guard in the history of the franchise. At 22 years old, he is already improving at a rapid rate, and the sky's the limit for him. With Young by his side, he has a chance to exceed all expectations and the 2024-25 season is a test to see if his star continues to rise.