The Atlanta Hawks will enter the season in search of a participant to enrich Trae Younger. Over the previous two seasons, Dejounte Murray was that participant, however he did not produce the outcomes the Hawks wished, warranting a commerce. This season, the Hawks can be look inside for the participant’s co-star Younger, and the apparent reply is Jalen Johnson.
Johnson was a standout participant for the Hawks final season, as he turned a full-time starter for the primary time in his profession. He didn’t disappoint, averaging 16.0 factors, 8.7 rebounds and three.6 assists per sport. Offensively, Johnson took an enormous leap ahead, averaging 5.6 factors the earlier season, however his capability to be a playmaker was spectacular.
Whereas his offense issues, Johnson is aware of all of it begins along with his protection, as he talked about throughout Media Day when requested how he would possibly take the subsequent step.
“Protection. I am prepared for these challenges. I perceive it is extra concerning the mindset on the defensive aspect,” Johnson mentioned. “The offensive aspect is simple, however on protection you must lock down and being able to tackle these challenges guarding the 4 each evening I am wanting ahead to it Coach goes to carry me accountable, my teammates are going to carry me accountable and I will maintain myself accountable on the defensive aspect this season.
Hawks reward Jalen Johnson forward of 2024-25 season
Head coach Quin Snyder shared his ideas throughout Media Day on how Jalen Johnson can take the subsequent step this season.
“His versatility is one thing actually distinctive,” Snyder mentioned. “The occasions when he performed his greatest basketball final 12 months, he actually let the sport come to him. I believe when you’ve got the flexibility to move, shoot and deal with [the ball]it provides you the chance to do this, to have the ability to influence the sport in numerous methods all through the sport.
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“The one factor we have continued to emphasize about him – and I believe he is actually embraced – is his capability to influence the sport defensively as effectively. Whether or not meaning defensive rebounding. Once we come again to his versatility, when he grabs a defensive rebound, he is a man who can push in transition, make performs for others. With Jalen, it isn’t about something, however I believe his defensive focus is an space the place he can influence profitable.
Trae Younger and Johnson proved to be a profitable duo final season, however accidents prevented them from seeing their true potential collectively. This season, Johnson will experiment with ankle braces and Younger is aware of how vital it’s to have him on the sphere.
“For us, it’s about being on the sphere collectively extra,” Younger mentioned. “I believe it’s his fourth 12 months for him, however I really feel prefer it’s two. Even final 12 months he had some ankle accidents, however for me, I simply pray that he is there, obtainable for us. When he performs, he makes our staff higher. If he would not, particularly this 12 months, it will be an enormous gap for us to fill, so we’d like him to play.
If Johnson can keep wholesome and enhance from his season final 12 months, the Hawks can be in good arms in terms of a second choice.
