While they were promised a complicated season, the Hawks are the surprise team of the Eastern Conference with a series of four victories in a row, and a good 5th place in the standings. Alongside Trae Young, the lieutenants stand out as Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter. The first will have a say in the race for “Most Improved Player”, while the second could win the “Best Sixth Man” award.
But before that, there will be the All-Star Game, and Jalen Johnson has the record and the stats to win his first star: 20 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists after thirty games. Only three other players have such numbers: Nikola Jokic, Domantas Sabonis and Giannis Antetokounmpo!
“Oh, yes, he’s already placed in that category, and that shows how special he is, and how special he can be for years to come.” enthuses Clint Capela. “He’s so young. It's incredible to be put in the same category as guys like Giannis, Jokic, Sabonis. These guys have been All-Stars multiple times. These three guys are key pieces and are clearly leaders, if not one of two leaders, on their team. He shows he can be one of them. And his consistency proves it, so he is one of them.”
Speaking of comparison with his three monsters, The Atlanta Journal Constitution brought out their stats during their first selection to the All-Star Game. Nikola Jokic averaged 20.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 22.9 points and 8.8 rebounds, while Domantas Sabonis averaged 18.5 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. “He averages 20 points and 10 rebounds. Usually that sends you to the All-Star Game. I think he will be an All-Star. He deserves it” believes Onyeka Okongwu. “But she’s a team player. He's a quiet kid who just loves to play basketball and win. »
Develop your identity
Since 2016, the Hawks have not sent several players to the All-Star Game, and if Trae Young should participate, he could therefore be accompanied by his young partner. The latter is not the type to promote himself, and it is his coach who steps up to the plate to praise his qualities.
“You know what I think of JJ, his individual recognition and his success”asks Quin Snyder, the Hawks coach. “I think what’s unique about him is that he’s invested in the team. And there's no better example than the game against the Bulls, where he literally created the game for others, and he still finished with 30 points. So for JJ it's always about how he plays and continuing to develop his identity as a unique player. And if it's recognized in any way, it continues to improve. »
A few days ago, it was Doc Rivers who highlighted him, comparing him to… Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“He can do everything, he has similar range, and he gains experience quickly. The comparison that comes to mind is that of a quarterback. Last season, he was like a rookie quarterback, with a lot of potential but who is learning to read the game and opposing defenses. This season, it looks like he's a quarterback who already has a few seasons behind him. He is much more incisive in his choices, he is more efficient. He's a great player. »
| Jalen Johnson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | ATL | 22 | 6 | 53.7 | 23.1 | 71.4 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 2.4 |
| 2022-23 | ATL | 70 | 15 | 49.1 | 28.8 | 62.8 | 0.7 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 5.6 |
| 2023-24 | ATL | 56 | 34 | 51.1 | 35.5 | 72.8 | 1.3 | 7.4 | 8.7 | 3.6 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 16.0 |
| 2024-25 | ATL | 30 | 37 | 51.2 | 33.6 | 75.7 | 1.9 | 8.5 | 10.4 | 5.5 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 20.0 |
| Total | 178 | 23 | 50.8 | 33.0 | 71.4 | 1.0 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 10.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
