The Atlanta Hawks officially announced a multi-year contract extension with forward Jalen Johnson, reaffirming their long-term commitment to this young talent. This strategic move aims to ensure stable growth for the future as Johnson increasingly solidifies his role in the Hawks’ lineup.
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Jalen Johnson, the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has proven to be one of the fastest-improving players in the NBA. During the 2023-24 season, Johnson averaged 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game – all career highs. These numbers reflect his significant improvement from the previous season when he averaged just 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
According to Hawks’ general manager Landry Fields, Johnson embodies “the values we seek, both on and off the court.” With a serious attitude, strong work ethic, and continuous improvement, Johnson has become an indispensable part of the Hawks’ long-term development strategy.
Johnson’s improvement during the 2023-24 season wasn’t limited to his scoring and rebounding. He also demonstrated notable growth in defense and playmaking, averaging 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, while shooting 35.5% from three-point range – a sign of his developing long-range shooting skills. Notably, he was one of only four players in the NBA last season to average at least 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steal, alongside top players like Nikola Jokic, Bam Adebayo, and Joel Embiid.
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Johnson scored at least 10 points in 47 of the 56 games he played, including 16 games with at least 20 points. Impressively, he recorded his first career triple-double during a Hawks win over Detroit, posting 28 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block. This performance earned him a place among NBA legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Charles Barkley, who have achieved similar stats in a single game.
Additionally, Johnson recorded eight games with at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists during the 2023-24 season, the most by any Hawks player since Josh Smith in the 2012-13 season. At 22, Johnson had at least five games with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, making him one of the Hawks players under 23 with the most such performances in franchise history.
Johnson’s development over the past few years has made him one of the Hawks’ most promising young players. Not only has he improved in scoring and rebounding, but he has also enhanced his defensive and playmaking skills, making him a well-rounded player. According to Elias Sports, Johnson is the first player in NBA history to increase his scoring by at least 10.0 points per game and his rebounding by at least 4.0 per game compared to the previous season, a milestone last achieved by Zach Randolph.
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This contract extension is not only a well-deserved reward for Johnson’s efforts and success but also a strategic step by the Hawks to build a strong and sustainable roster for the future. With Jalen Johnson’s continued development and contributions, the Atlanta Hawks hope that he will become a cornerstone in leading the team to greater success in the upcoming seasons.
