Why Jalen Johnson May Be Ready to Fly for the Hawks

The 19-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance in his first NBA season, but can he sustain it?

By Kevin O'Connor

Jalen Johnson was one of the most highly touted recruits in the country coming out of high school, but his NBA career has gotten off to a slow start. The 19-year-old forward has averaged just 2.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in his first season with the Atlanta Hawks. However, Johnson has shown flashes of brilliance, and there are reasons to believe that he could be ready to take a big step forward in his second season.

One of the most impressive things about Johnson is his athleticism. He is a 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, and he can run, jump, and change direction with ease. Johnson is also a skilled ball handler for his size, and he has a good feel for the game.

Johnson's biggest weakness is his shooting. He shot just 25.0% from three-point range in college, and he is shooting just 20.0% from three-point range in the NBA. However, Johnson has a good shooting stroke, and he is confident in his ability to make shots. If he can improve his shooting, he could become a major scoring threat.

Johnson is also a good rebounder and defender. He has a strong frame, and he is not afraid to mix it up in the paint. Johnson is also a good shot blocker, and he has the potential to be a defensive force.

Overall, Johnson has a lot of potential. He is a talented athlete with a good skill set. If he can improve his shooting, he could become a major contributor for the Hawks. Johnson is still only 19 years old, so he has plenty of time to develop. The Hawks should be patient with him, but they should also be excited about his potential.

Here are three reasons why Johnson could be ready to take a big step forward in his second season:

• He has shown flashes of brilliance in his first NBA season.
• He is a talented athlete with a good skill set.
• The Hawks are a young team with a lot of potential.

If Johnson can continue to develop, he could be a major part of the Hawks' future.