They aren’t perfect, but the Atlanta Hawks have seemingly found their identity this season.
They are the sixth team in the East with a 12-11 record and have had a few impressive, even surprising, victories this year.
One of the reasons for their strong showing has been Jalen Johnson, who has become a vital part of the team.
According to Evan Sidery, Johnson is now “one of the most versatile wings in the NBA.”
He is averaging 20.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game on a 58.5 true-shooting rating.
“The Hawks’ five-year, $150 million extension for Johnson already looks like a steal as he takes an All-Star leap,” Sidery wrote.
Jalen Johnson is becoming one of the most versatile wings in the NBA:
20.1 points
9.9 rebounds
5.5 assists
1.4 steals
1.1 blocks
58.5 TS%The Hawks’ five-year, $150 million extension for Johnson already looks like a steal as he takes an All-Star leap. pic.twitter.com/8FnlsFh0wY
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 5, 2024
This is Johnson’s fourth year in the NBA, and it looks like he is taking a huge step forward.
Last season, he was putting up 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
He has stepped up his game in just about every way.
His versatility is just one of his strengths because Johnson is a threat on both ends of the court, and he has a strong mix of offense and defense.
That is exactly one of the reasons why the Hawks are doing better than some people expected.
The Hawks have beaten some of the best teams in the league, including the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers (twice).
This isn’t the first time the Hawks have been better than some people expected, and now their task is to keep it up all season long.
If Johnson keeps playing like this, that might be possible.
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