From first-time All-Star nods to potential All-NBA honors, discover how Jalen Johnson’s triple-double dominance and elite playmaking transformed him into the untouchable cornerstone of Atlanta’s future.
Aside from the fact that the New York Knicks dismantled them in the final three games of their first-round matchup, the Atlanta Hawks should look at the 2025-26 season as a success.
A huge reason behind that is the breakout campaign of forward Jalen Johnson, who was named an All-Star for the first time in his career, and enjoyed a very strong month of March, where he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month. He became the first Hawks player since 2015 to take home that award.
The All-NBA selections haven't been made yet, but it's very plausible that Jalen Johnson, who played 72 total games, could earn All-NBA honors for his services this season.
Jalen Johnson's 2025-26 season stats: 72 GS (games started), 22.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 7.9 APG, 49% field goal shooting, 35% 3-point shooting.
Johnson took so many huge strides this season for the Hawks, as he emerged as the number one option in Atlanta's starting rotation.
When the season began, ot became clear that this was Jalen Johnson's trade, and his true playmaker status might have paved the way for Atlanta to trade away franchise legend Trae Young.
A big part of that playmaking ability stemmed from Jalen's impact on his teammates. His *near* eight assists per game was a clear career-high, and Johnson became a triple-double merchant as the season progressed. He recorded 12 triple-doubles this season, including four straight in March. The offense clearly ran through Jalen Johnson, who has a slasher archetype, but also increased his three-point attempts (4.7) this season.
While the season likely didn't end how Jalen Johnson (or the Hawks) wanted, which included Johnson being slowed down against the Knicks in their playoff matchup, there was so much positive to come from Johnson's game in his fourth full NBA season. Johnson posted career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and free-throw attempts (5.3) per game.
The future is bright in Atlanta because of Jalen Johnson, and it will be fascinating to see who the Hawks pick up in the NBA draft in June and add to their roster via free agency, and how they play alongside Jalen Johnson, but he's one of the very few 'untouchable' players for Atlanta and will likely be up for a supermax extension in the coming seasons.
Regardless of who Atlanta adds, Johnson will remain the focal point of this Hawks team, and he's the primary reason the Hawks gained so much national attention as the recent season progressed.