Jalen Johnson’s star breakout season is keeping Atlanta alive in the East

Missing Trae Young due to a knee injury, Jalen Johnson has stepped up his game and is showing that he can be a capable star to build a team on.

Jalen Johnson’s rise was kind of expected and supposed to happen this season. The talent was always evident, the flashes from last season undeniable, and the physical tools have been impossible to ignore. But what he is doing now feels different. This kind of leap — the kind that changes a career, reshapes a franchise, and forces the rest of the league to pay attention.

In a season where the Atlanta Hawks have started out with injuries and inconsistency, Johnson has become their stabilizer, their do-everything engine, and their unexpected source of hope early on in the season. While Trae Young sits with a knee injury, Johnson has not only stepped into a larger responsibility, but he has exceeded it.

His back-to-back triple-doubles over his last two games have been kind of an exclamation point on what has become one of the best storylines in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks aren’t just surviving because of him, they are afloat and in the middle of it all because of him.

The modern NBA is defined by size, versatility, and decision-making – and Johnson checks all three boxes in a way few forwards his age can. At 6-foot-9 with a strong frame and smooth athleticism, he has embraced the role of a jumbo playmaker in Atlanta’s offense.

He attacks the rim with force, overwhelms smaller defenders, and uses his long strides to blow past slower ones. But what truly elevates his game is the way he manipulates defenses as both a driver and a passer. Whether he’s initiating pick-and-rolls, operating in the short roll, or pushing in transition, Johnson processes the floor with the composure of a seasoned guard – all while playing the forward position and being 6’9.

This is the version Atlanta dreamed of when they selected him in 2021 – the kind of multi-faceted forward who can anchor possessions on his own, create advantages for others, and serve as a connective tissue across every lineup combination.

Johnson’s growth as a scorer has been just as impressive. His finishing touch around the rim continues to evolve, showcasing a mix of power and finesse that keeps defenses guessing. His improved jumper may be the most important development, as he’s spacing the floor effectively, shooting the ball with confidence, and converting catch-and-shoot opportunities at a level that forces defenses to stay honest. When opponents bring help, he punishes them with skip passes and timely reads and his athleticism is put to good use with force.

He’s no longer an “upside piece” Atlanta hopes will pan out. He’s already delivering production and responsibility at a level far beyond what most young forwards in the league are asked to handle.

One of the biggest testaments to Johnson’s versatility is how seamless he looks in every part of the pick-and-roll action. He can be the handler, leveraging his size to see over defenses and make advanced reads. He can be the roller, catching in the short pocket and turning it into downhill pressure.

It’s rare to find a forward who can fluidly shift roles based on personnel and matchups – rarer still for that forward to be 22 years old and just scratching the surface.

When Atlanta’s spacing tightens, Johnson becomes the playmaking valve. When possessions stall, he becomes the initiator. When the Hawks need someone to create something out of nothing, they turn to him. And lately, he has delivered to mark one of the best, if not the best, stretches of his young NBA career.

Without Trae Young, the Hawks’ offense could have cratered. But Johnson’s play has provided a structure, a rhythm, and an identity they desperately needed. His triple-doubles were reflections of a player filling every gap the team had, while lifting them toward competitive relevance.

His versatility has allowed the Hawks to maintain pace in the East during a stretch where many expected them to slide. He’s become the heartbeat of the team: energetic, unselfish, relentless, and increasingly reliable.

This leap by Johnson is one built on improved skill, stronger decision-making, and a growing belief from the organization that he’s ready for more.

Atlanta entered the season with questions about its long-term direction. But amid the uncertainty, Johnson has emerged as one of the clearest answers. His development brings stability, his playmaking brings structure, and more importantly, his confidence brings hope.

He’s the Hawks’ future, and right now, he’s also their present.

The NBA is often defined by players who make “the leap,” but those leaps don’t always look the same. Johnson’s leap isn’t defined by scoring explosions or spotlight moments – it’s currently defined by completeness. The ability to do everything, affect everything, and help the Hawks survive one of their toughest stretches of the season.