The offseason has cooled tremendously in the NBA. After a flurry of free agent signings that featured ridiculously lucrative contracts, all that remains are minor moves and the prospect of a couple of blockbuster trades involving Damian Lillard and Pascal Siakam. What we have right now is speculation, excitement for the next season… and workout videos galore! The most recent comes from Hawks’ breakout candidate Jalen Johnson, who is working out with the GOAT LeBron James.
Now, before I say this, I just want to say I’m not comparing the two. JJ can’t even sniff LeBron’s jockstrap.
With that out of the way, the two share similar skill sets. As point forwards that can facilitate and drive to the paint, Johnson can learn a ton from the brightest mind in basketball.
The former first-round pick out of Duke is poised to break out in the wake of the John Collins trade.
“A big year is coming for Jalen Johnson,” an anonymous team source said, per Keith Smith of Spotrac. “The opportunity is there. He just needs to take it.”
JJ was dubbed a lottery talent, but injuries and inconsistencies resulted in a slide down the draft board, eventually landing with the Hawks at #20. Under Nate McMillan, he had minimal opportunities, resulting in a measly stat line of just 4.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists over his first two seasons.
With Quin Snyder at the helm, he received more minutes. In last year’s final five contests, Johnson averaged 11.6 points on 56.8 percent shooting, adding 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.8 steals.
Johnson’s most impressive outing came in the play-in game against the Heat, where he actually resembled LeBron James, putting up 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals in just 14 minutes.
Jalen Johnson is a versatile player that can score, facilitate, defend, and more. It’s going to be exciting to see him in a full-time role this season.
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