The Atlanta Hawks have officially closed a significant chapter in their franchise history, and the next one is already being written in bold letters. The recent trade sending Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert marked the definitive end of an era that was as electrifying as it was ultimately unfulfilled. The decision to move on from a franchise icon is never made lightly, but the Hawks' front office clearly believed that a new direction was necessary to reach the next level.
Young, selected fifth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft—a move that famously allowed Dallas to secure Luka Dončić—had become the undeniable face of the Hawks organization. During his tenure, he earned four All-Star selections and orchestrated a magical run to the conference finals in 2021, cementing his status as a fan favorite. Yet the franchise's leadership made the difficult decision that it was time for a new direction, believing that the Young-centric approach had reached its ceiling and that a more balanced, versatile roster construction was needed.
That direction has a name: Jalen Johnson.
A Star Forged Through Patience
The Hawks selected Johnson with the 20th pick in the 2021 draft, and his journey since then has been a masterclass in developmental patience. Unlike lottery picks who are handed immediate playing time, Johnson's rookie season was essentially a redshirt year, with sparse minutes and limited opportunities. His second season showed only modest improvement—5.6 points per game in just 14.9 minutes—leading many observers to question whether he would ever justify his draft position.
What those observers couldn't measure was Johnson's internal compass and work ethic. "I don't think it was ever a doubt that I was an NBA player," he explained, reflecting on those early years. "I just kind of knew my process and my journey would be a lot different than I had hoped. Once I realized that and put my pride to the side, I focused on putting the work in each and every single day."
That daily dedication has produced one of the most remarkable ascensions in recent NBA memory. By 2024, Johnson had elevated his scoring average to 16.0 points per game—a solid contributor, but hardly a franchise player. The transformation since then has been nothing short of extraordinary, demonstrating that sometimes the best prospects are the ones who require the most nurturing and possess the patience to wait for their moment.
Numbers That Tell a Story
Before a shoulder injury cut short his previous campaign, Johnson was already posting borderline All-Star figures: 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per night. This season, at just 24 years old and with 40 games in the books, he has shattered even those impressive standards and established himself as one of the league's most complete players.
Currently averaging 22.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists while shooting 51% from the field and over 35% from three-point range, Johnson is producing at a level that places him in historically exclusive company. The only other player maintaining those thresholds? Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić.
These aren't hollow stats compiled on a lottery-bound team. Johnson's efficiency reflects a player who understands shot selection, values possessions, and contributes to winning basketball. His 6-foot-8, 219-pound frame provides the physical foundation, but it's his basketball IQ and expanding skill set that truly set him apart from his peers and suggest a ceiling that reaches true superstardom.
Leadership Through Stability
Assuming the mantle of franchise player after a beloved star's departure could overwhelm many young athletes. Johnson, however, approaches the challenge with remarkable equanimity and maturity beyond his years, understanding that leadership is earned through actions, not just titles.
"My mentality doesn't change," he stated calmly. "I just want to continue to grow with my teammates, I want to continue to stack wins, and I know we all have the same goal at the end of the day, and that's make the playoffs. I'm excited about the new guys that we brought in, and I'm excited to continue to build with them."
This perspective—focused on collective progress rather than individual glory—has endeared him to coaches, teammates, and the front office alike. Rather than viewing Young's trade as a green light to dominate the ball, Johnson sees it as an opportunity to accelerate the development of the entire roster. His approach embodies the modern ethos that basketball is ultimately a team game, even when individual brilliance shines through.
When Legends Take Notice
LeBron James doesn't offer comparisons lightly. When the four-time MVP speaks about a young player's potential, the entire league pays attention. On a recent episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast, James identified a historical parallel for Johnson that carries significant weight and historical context.
"Scottie Pippen, man," James said. "And obviously, he has a long way to go. But as far as the talent, you look at a guy with long arms, 6-9, 6-10, runs like a deer, super athletic. He's improved his outside touch."
The Pippen comparison is particularly apt and layered with meaning. While often remembered as Michael Jordan's legendary sidekick, Pippen was himself a transformative talent who could score, facilitate, defend multiple positions, and elevate his performance when called upon to lead. Like Pippen, Johnson possesses the rare combination of length, speed, and skill that allows him to function as the connective tissue for his entire team, making everyone around him better.
James added a crucial observation: "One thing about our league is it's all about confidence and opportunity."
Johnson now has both in abundance. The confidence stems from years of incremental improvement and the knowledge that his work translates to production. The opportunity arrives in the form of a franchise ready to build its entire ecosystem around his multifaceted abilities.
The Blueprint for Modern Basketball
What makes Johnson particularly valuable in today's NBA is his positional elasticity and versatility. He can initiate offense as a point forward, finish above the rim with explosive athleticism, space the floor as a credible three-point threat, and switch defensively across four positions. This Swiss Army knife capability is exactly what general managers covet when constructing a championship-caliber roster in the modern era.
The Hawks have essentially stumbled upon the player archetype every team is desperately seeking: a young, two-way connector who makes teammates better while maintaining elite individual production. His development curve suggests he's nowhere near his ceiling, which is a terrifying prospect for opposing Eastern Conference teams who must now game-plan for a player who can beat them in multiple ways.
A New Foundation in Atlanta
The transition from Young's era to Johnson's leadership appears remarkably seamless, a testament to both the organization's planning and Johnson's readiness. The roster has been reconfigured with complementary pieces like McCollum and Kispert who can space the floor and provide veteran stability. The organizational vision is clear: build a sustainable contender around a homegrown star who embodies the modern game.
The immediate goal, as Johnson himself stated, is reaching the postseason. But the long-term vision extends far beyond a single playoff appearance. With Johnson under team control and just entering his prime, the Hawks have a legitimate opportunity to construct something special that could compete for years to come.
The foundation is no longer theoretical. It's wearing number 1 for the Atlanta Hawks, posting near triple-double numbers, and approaching each game with the same steady mentality that carried him from benchwarmer to franchise cornerstone in just a few short years.
The Trae Young era provided memorable moments and individual brilliance. The Jalen Johnson era promises something different: complete, team-oriented excellence built on versatility, work ethic, and a player who represents the future of basketball itself.