Jalen Johnson entered the NBA as the 20th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 draft as a one-and-done player from Duke University. As a prospect, he was considered as a highly versatile point forward whose game thrives on athleticism and court vision.
While he had a high ceiling and was expected to be a lottery pick, concerns about Jalen's shooting and limited college playing time led other teams to slide him down the draft board.
However, since he was drafted, Johnson has exceeded expectations and become a franchise player for the Hawks, appearing in his first All-Star Game this year. Since his rookie year, Jalen's growth has been rapid and impactful across all aspects, so much so that Jeff Teague has labeled him the future of NBA point guards.
" Jalen Johnson is better than [Haliburton]," Teague said . " On my momma. If you were to start a team, who would you pick: Jalen Johnson or Tyrese Haliburton? I'm taking Jalen Johnson. He just made the All-Star Team; he is a 6'10" point guard. You would take somebody over for one playoff run?"
"Y'all lame. If you put them in the gym together and they play one-on-one, he gon' destroy. If that's the case, y'all can take Tyrese over James Harden for one playoff run," he added.
Since he entered the league, Jalen's growth from a limited rookie to a franchise cornerstone has been one of the most significant development stories in recent years. During his rookie year, Johnson averaged 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds per game and spent most of his time in the G-League on the Hawks' affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.
In the 2022-23 season, the difference in production wasn't much different, as Johnson averaged 5.6 points and four rebounds per game. However, during that season, he showed flashes of potential as his bench role started to grow.
Johnson's breakout year came in the 2023-24 season, when he took a massive leap across almost every statistical category, averaging 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, which led to him becoming a full-time starter.
In the 2024-25 season, it was clear Jalen had become a cornerstone for the Hawks, where his 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists per game earned him a contract extension of $150 million.
In this season, he averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. He recorded 13 triple-doubles, setting a new franchise record, as well as finishing second with Josh Giddey for most triple-doubles this season, only behind Nikola Jokic .
After Trae Young departed the Hawks, Johnson became the team's main offensive engine, responsible for every significant play, especially in transition and half-court sets. With his 7.9 assists this season, he became one of the only four players to average 10 or more rebounds and 7 or more assists, joining the company of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Domantas Sabonis .
With his massive 6'10" frame, Johnson is the definition of a "positionless" player. While he is fundamentally a power forward, his wide offensive talent makes him capable of playing any position on the court. He can score like a modern athletic wing, use his athleticism and size to rebound like a big man, and handle and pass the ball like a guard thanks to his underrated dribbling skills and court vision.
Some have even been comparing him to LeBron James , which isn't much of a stretch considering he has similar stats to a prime LBJ. Still, if it weren't for statistical inflation, those numbers would probably be different, but it's safe to say Jalen is on the right path as a player.
If or when Johnson manages to get his shooting consistency under control, it is clear he has the potential to become a statistical anomaly with the best of them, after all, he has all the tools to do so. Considering young forward still hasn't entered his prime at 24, the sky is the limit.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Apr 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
