Atlanta Hawks set sights on Jalen Johnson’s rise after a tough stretch
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is predicted to rank 18th among NBA players in 2030, according to Bleacher Report analyst Andy Bailey. The projection comes as the Hawks endure a recent form of 0W‑0D‑5L, highlighted by a 89‑140 defeat to the New York Knicks on 2026‑04‑30.
What does the 2030 projection mean?
Andy Bailey highlighted Johnson’s ability to guard elite opponents, rebound, and run the offense as a point‑forward. Those traits, Bailey argued, will only sharpen as Johnson approaches his prime at age 28. The analyst noted that Johnson’s jump‑shot and ball‑handling should improve with more facilitator minutes, turning a sub‑25 forward into a top‑20 talent.
How has Johnson performed so far?
During the 2025‑26 season Johnson posted 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 48.9% from the field, 35.2% from three‑point range and 78.8% from the line. He logged 49 double‑doubles and 13 triple‑doubles across 72 games. The 24‑year‑old earned his first All‑Star nod and landed on the All‑NBA third team, confirming his status as the franchise’s new face after Trae Young’s era.
Why does this matter for the Hawks’ playoff hopes?
In the 2026 playoffs Johnson averaged 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists, though Atlanta fell to the Knicks in six games. The Hawks haven’t won a series since 2021, when Young guided them to the Eastern Conference Finals. Johnson, alongside CJ McCollum, Nickeil Alexander‑Walker and Dyson Daniels, now shoulders the rebuild. To break the losing streak, the front office must act aggressively in the trade market, especially for two‑way players.
What’s next for Atlanta Hawks and Johnson?
Johnson enters the upcoming season with career averages of 14.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists. The team holds several future first‑round picks and trade‑ready contracts, with rumors linking them to Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III. If the Hawks can secure complementary talent, Johnson’s trajectory could see multiple All‑Star and All‑NBA selections, potentially ending the franchise’s playoff drought.
Current context and outlook
The recent 0‑5 run, capped by the 89‑140 loss to New York, underscores the urgency for roster upgrades. Yet the long‑term view remains bright: a young, versatile forward poised to become a top‑20 NBA player by 2030, anchoring Atlanta’s quest for sustained success.
