Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has been ranked as the second-best power forward in the NBA, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo. This recognition follows a breakout 2025-26 season where Johnson earned his first All-Star and All-NBA selections.
Johnson's performance last year was exceptional. He put up 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. The 24-year-old recorded 49 double-doubles and 13 triple-doubles across 72 games. His playmaking and rebounding were standout features for his position.
He joined an elite group with those numbers. Johnson became just the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7.5 assists for a season. The others are Wilt Chamberlain, Nikola Jokic, Oscar Robertson, and Russell Westbrook. That's rare company for a young player.
Johnson's rise is the centerpiece of the Hawks' future. His development into an All-NBA Third Team player provides a clear building block. The team's core now features Johnson alongside players like CJ McCollum, Lu Dort, and Onyeka Okongwu.
The front office had a busy summer supporting him. They extended McCollum, re-signed Jock Landale, and traded for Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort from Oklahoma City. Ryan Nembhard was also acquired from Dallas. Rookies Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, and Henri Veesaar were added in the 2026 draft.
On paper, the roster looks strong. The challenge is turning potential into playoff success. The Hawks haven't won a playoff series since 2021. Johnson averaged 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the 2026 postseason, but the team fell to the New York Knicks in six games.
The team's playoff exit is still fresh. Their last result was a heavy 89-140 loss to the New York Knicks on April 30, 2026. That defeat ended their first-round series. Their recent form over the last five games shows two wins and three losses (LLLWW).
The series against the Knicks was a tough battle. It included close wins, like a 109-108 victory on April 23 and a 107-106 road win on April 21. But they also suffered decisive losses, including a 126-97 defeat on April 29 and a 98-114 loss on April 25. You can review the full playoff journey and look ahead on our schedule page.
Johnson's path is incredibly promising. Analysts note he needs to keep improving his outside jumper, which shot 35.2% from three-point range last season. Given his rapid career improvement so far, confidence is high he'll do it.
His career averages sit at 14.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, showing how much he leaped forward last year. The sky is the limit if he continues his summer development. The big question is whether this core can win a championship in the Johnson era.
The 2026-27 season presents that next test. With a revamped roster and a bona fide star in Johnson, the Hawks aim to end their playoff series drought. Their performance will depend on how the new pieces gel and how Johnson builds on his All-NBA campaign.
