Hold onto your hats, folks, because the Atlanta Hawks just made a big move! Jalen Johnson is sticking around with a fresh five-year, $150 million deal.
Jalen’s Jump: From Benchwarmer to Star
Remember when Jalen Johnson was just a promising rookie out of Duke? Well, those days are long gone. Last season, he exploded onto the scene with career highs across the board: 16 points, 8.7 boards, 3.6 dimes, and 1.2 swipes per game, all while logging a hefty 33.7 minutes on average. Talk about leveling up! At just 23 (well, almost—his birthday’s in December), he’s already making history as one of only six players to hit those numbers before turning 23. That’s some elite company right there.
JJ STAYING IN THE
We have signed Jalen Johnson to a contract extension!
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks)
Big Games, Bigger Impact
Jalen’s not just about consistency; he’s got that clutch gene too. Remember his career-high 28-point performances against OKC and Detroit? Those games were pure magic. In my opinion, it’s these flashes of brilliance that make him such an exciting player to watch. The dude’s got ice in his veins when it counts.
But it’s not just about scoring. Hawks GM Landry Fields couldn’t be happier, saying, “Jalen Johnson embodies the characteristics we look for as an organization, both on and off the court.” Sounds like JJ’s the whole package—talent and character.
From Rookie to Rising Star
Let’s talk about that massive leap in his game. Jalen went from averaging a mere 5.6 points to a whopping 16 points per game. That’s the second-largest jump in the league for players with at least 50 games under their belt, just behind Cam Thomas from the Nets. Coach Quinn Snyder deserves a shoutout for giving Jalen more responsibility and letting him shine on the court. It’s like going from riding the pine to being the main guy. Who saw that coming?
And how about his transition game? Shooting 66% in transition is no joke, ranking him eighth among players with 120+ attempts. That’s some serious efficiency right there.
The Hawks are kicking off the new season against the Nets on Wednesday. Can Jalen keep this momentum going? Will he become the franchise cornerstone the Hawks are banking on? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the spotlight’s on him now. What do you think—will Jalen Johnson be the next big thing in Atlanta?
