Wednesday night’s 124–122 win over Memphis wasn’t a breakout moment for Jalen Johnson — it was a continuation. Another chapter in what has quietly become one of the most important seasons in Atlanta Hawks history, as the franchise appears to have a future superstar firmly in place. From opening night through the grind of January, Johnson hasn’t emerged as the Hawks’ centerpiece — he’s been it.
With Trae Young barely seeing the floor this season due to injury and eventually being traded, Atlanta began the year facing real uncertainty about direction, leadership, and identity. Instead of drifting, the Hawks recalibrated around Johnson, and he responded with an All-NBA-level leap. The numbers tell part of the story: 23.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game on 51.1% shooting. That stat line isn’t just impressive — it places Johnson in rare company as a true point forward who influences every possession.
Against Memphis, Johnson once again showed why Atlanta’s future is bright. He finished with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, controlling the tempo, attacking mismatches, and closing the game with the calm of a veteran star. When the Grizzlies surged late and the building tightened, Johnson didn’t defer — he dictated. He hunted switches, absorbed contact, knocked down free throws, and made the correct read every time help arrived. This wasn’t a hot shooting night masking flaws. This was authority.
That authority has defined his entire season. Johnson has become the Hawks’ primary initiator, their best rebounder, their most consistent scorer, and their emotional anchor. At 6’8”, 219 pounds, he blends size, vision, and ball-handling in a way few forwards in the league can. Atlanta now runs its offense through him — dribble handoffs, inverted pick-and-rolls, transition creation — because he processes the game a step ahead of everyone else on the floor.
What makes this season even more meaningful is the context. Johnson didn’t step into a ready-made role. He created one. With Young unavailable and then moved, Atlanta needed someone to stabilize the franchise. Johnson didn’t just absorb usage; he elevated efficiency. He didn’t just fill box scores; he raised the floor of everyone around him. That’s the difference between a good young player and a true cornerstone.
At just 24 years old, Johnson is already playing with the awareness of someone who understands organizational responsibility. His growth hasn’t been linear — it’s been exponential. And for the Hawks, that changes everything. Instead of searching for a new star, Atlanta can now focus on building correctly: spacing, secondary creation, defensive versatility — all tailored to Johnson’s strengths.
This season hasn’t proven that Jalen Johnson can be the future of the Atlanta Hawks.
It has proven that he already is.
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