The Hawks may have entered the season with questions about their long-term direction. They finished it with a new franchise centerpiece.
Looking back at his preseason predictions, ESPN’s Zach Kram gave himself an A+ for forecasting that Jalen Johnson would earn All-NBA Third Team honors.
Johnson rewarded that confidence with a breakout campaign, averaging career highs of 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists while emerging as Atlanta’s top player following the trade of Trae Young.
According to Kram, Johnson’s rise helped provide clarity for a franchise entering a new era.
“The 24-year-old’s emergence gives Atlanta a new direction after trading Young,” Kram wrote.
Johnson’s production dipped somewhat during the postseason, when he averaged 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists, but his overall impact remained significant as the Hawks returned to the playoffs and secured the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta ultimately fell to the Knicks in the first round, but the season was widely viewed as a success after many observers expected the Hawks to be headed toward the Play-In Tournament.
Looking ahead, Kram believes Atlanta should remain in the playoff mix, with Johnson continuing to lead the way.
If this season was any indication, the Hawks may have already found the face of their future.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
