In a dramatic turn of events for the Atlanta Hawks, what started as a promising season for Jalen Johnson has hit a temporary roadblock with a recent injury concern. The emerging star’s transformation from a bench player to a key contributor has been one of the NBA’s most compelling stories this season.
Johnson’s remarkable ascent tells a tale of patience and persistence. Just a season ago, he averaged a modest 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Fast forward to the 2024-2025 season, and Johnson has exploded onto the scene, posting impressive numbers of 19.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His evolution hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he’s currently sitting at +550 odds to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
The Hawks forward’s versatility has been on full display this season. He’s not just scoring—he’s facilitating plays, defending at a high level, and even notching his second career triple-double. His improved shooting and decision-making have made him a reliable second option alongside Trae Young, who has adapted his game to maximize Johnson’s effectiveness.
However, the road hasn’t been entirely smooth. Johnson recently experienced a setback when he was sidelined with left lateral lower leg inflammation before a crucial matchup against the Sacramento Kings. This surprised many, as Johnson had been an iron man for the Hawks this season, averaging a substantial 36.6 minutes per game.
The Hawks’ performance metrics tell an exciting story about the team’s evolution with Johnson as a core piece:
- Ranked 9th in the NBA for points per game
- 12th in field goal percentage
- 5th in free throw attempts
- Strong offensive rebounding (8th in percentage)
Head coach Quin Snyder has masterfully integrated Johnson into a system that maximizes his strengths. The Hawks’ rotation now frequently features Johnson in crucial moments, demonstrating the coaching staff’s growing confidence in his abilities.
Looking at the bigger picture, Johnson’s development represents a significant win for the Hawks’ player development program. His journey from a relatively unknown prospect to a potential Most Improved Player candidate showcases the organization’s ability to nurture talent.
The Most Improved Player award competition is fierce, with Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams leading the race at +500 odds. While Williams benefits from playing on a stronger team, Johnson’s statistical leap might be more impressive to voters. The fact that Johnson has emerged “out of nowhere” could work in his favor, as voters often favor dramatic year-over-year improvements.
The Hawks’ future looks bright with Johnson’s emergence, but questions remain. Can he maintain this level of play throughout the season? Will the recent injury concerns impact his chances at the Most Improved Player award? How will his partnership with Trae Young continue to evolve?
What’s clear is that Johnson has transformed from a promising young player into an essential force for the Hawks. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways – scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense – makes him a unique talent in today’s NBA.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Johnson’s recovery and return to the court. The Hawks’ success may depend on his ability to stay healthy and continue his remarkable development. For now, Johnson’s story serves as a reminder that in the NBA, sometimes the biggest stars emerge when you least expect them.