The Rise of Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson spent a lot of time observing up-and-coming basketball stars from the sidelines during his early years. Reflecting on his high school experience, he left a public school in suburban Milwaukee for IMG Academy in Florida, but didn’t play a single game there. Then there’s his brief time at Duke University. Initially viewed as a promising five-star recruit, Johnson’s tenure there took a hit when he suffered a foot injury that kept him out of 13 games and led to him leaving the team in February. His path with the Atlanta Hawks hasn’t been much different—he spent much of his rookie year in the G League and had trouble getting minutes under coach Nate McMillan in his second year. Injuries to his ankle, wrist, and shoulder further hindered his progress under coach Quin Snyder.
As he approaches his 24th birthday, Johnson is finally starting to shine, evolving from a highly-rated recruit in the Nike EYBL circuit into a formidable player. His performance this season highlights the reality that player development can be an unpredictable journey; even the most gifted individuals require the right mix of chances and a bit of luck to truly excel.
With Trae Young currently out due to a knee sprain, Johnson has stepped up significantly, becoming a key player for the Hawks. So far in the 2025-26 season, his stats are impressive (23.2 points, 10 rebounds, 7.3 assists per game), putting him in comparison with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Johnson has notably boosted his scoring efficiency, raising his true shooting percentage significantly from the previous two seasons to +5.5 this season. He has always been a strong player in transition, but he’s improved his abilities in half-court situations, enhancing his three-point shooting and increasing his on-ball time and usage rate.
Since Young’s absence, the Hawks have recorded an 11-6 record. Johnson is on the verge of making his first All-Star appearance, and Atlanta has its eyes on bigger ambitions. With the Eastern Conference wide open, they still have playoff hopes. Young’s impending free agency and the possibility of a top draft pick from the Pelicans means the team believes Johnson is a foundational piece—no matter what happens with Young.
This season, it’s hard to pinpoint three forwards performing better than Johnson. After previously being named an MVP candidate, he has once again ascended to elite ranks, providing the Hawks a chance to rethink their future strategy.
Initially, Johnson was projected as a top-10 draft pick during his first year at Duke, but it all took a turn for the worse when he injured his foot in the season opener. Though he attempted to recover, he couldn’t contribute effectively, leading to one of the toughest seasons for Duke. After losing his place in the rotation, Johnson announced his decision to leave school and prepare for the NBA Draft in February. Many in the college basketball community viewed him as a cautionary tale.
Entering the NBA, Johnson was seen as talented yet a bit self-centered, having prioritized his own aspirations over his team’s success. This, of course, came at a time when NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations were not a factor, sparking debates about athlete empowerment in college sports. Despite some perceived red flags during evaluations, he was still considered the eighth best prospect by draft boards.
The Hawks picked him 20th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft while Trae Young was emerging as a star, laying the groundwork for Atlanta’s aspirations for the playoffs. Johnson’s skill set fits into the team’s long-term strategy, marrying well with Young’s play style.
His rookie year was almost like a redshirt season; appearing in just 21 G League games compared to 22 in the NBA, mainly in low-pressure situations. McMillan seemed to prefer giving minutes to other players. However, when Snyder took over, Johnson finally made his mark, increasing his scoring from five to 16 points per game as a full-time starter—though a torn labrum suspension cut his last season short.
This season marks a new chapter for Johnson, as he displays substantial growth that could indicate he’s becoming the central figure in Atlanta’s plans. His playing time increase has contributed to impressive averages of 31.2 points, 9.9 assists, 13.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals—all career highs per 100 possessions.
Let’s take a moment to look at his transition game, where he truly excels, combining speed and power to become one of the league’s top finishers. Averaging 5.5 transition opportunities per game puts him among the best, and he ranks second in points per possession during those situations. Systematic plays in transition are essential, especially during Trae Young’s absence.
But while transition play is critical for Johnson, his half-court effectiveness is what has seen the most improvement this season. His “on-ball percentage” has significantly risen, placing him among the top shot creators for forwards. His knack for passing is also noteworthy; with over 1,200 passes—ranking fourth in the league—he’s proficient at setting up teammates for scoring opportunities.
Johnson is connecting well when shooting, making approximately 40.3 percent of his three-point attempts, a notable increase from last year’s 31 percent—even if he still needs to improve his release speed. His mid-range game has also seen an uptick, with an encouraging 48.5 percent success rate on shots between 10 to 16 feet.
Defensively, he remains robust, showing an ability to force turnovers and contributing to the Hawks’ transition success—ranked among the best forwards in this regard. His rebound percentage is notable too, indicating his commitment to finishing possessions defensively.
The role he plays as the primary playmaker will only be more beneficial as the pace slows down in the playoffs. While the Hawks hope Young can elevate the offense further upon his return, it’s clear that figuring out how Johnson fits into the system during these adjustments is crucial. If Young moves on as a free agent, Johnson’s leadership will become even more vital.
It’s fascinating to envision Johnson’s future, especially considering the five-year, $150 million contract he signed that’s now viewed as a win for the Hawks—they secured a remarkable young talent at a reasonable rate, providing flexibility for future builds.
Just a few years back, Johnson didn’t even participate in the Rising Stars Challenge. Now, there’s no denying he’s among the rising stars of the league and a key component for the Hawks. His journey proves that despite challenges and setbacks, talent can still shine through. At last, Jalen Johnson is playing like the star many always believed he could be.
