Jalen Johnson’s rise from promising young forward to early-season standout has sparked more than excitement around the Atlanta Hawks. It has triggered a pointed discussion led by former NBA players who believe the franchise may need to reconsider Trae Young’s role — and possibly its long-term direction.

Johnson has kept the Hawks afloat during Young’s absence with a sprained MCL, averaging 21.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game. His historic performance against the Utah Jazz — 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists and seven steals — intensified the debate, positioning him as a potential All-Star while the Hawks navigate an uncertain stretch without their lead guard.

Atlanta is 6–2 in games Young has missed this season, a run that has fueled outside questions about how the team looks with Johnson in a featured role. That stretch, combined with the Hawks’ improved defensive activity and ball movement, has led former players to speak candidly about Young’s future.

Danny Green, a three-time NBA champion, said the early returns without Young suggest a shift in momentum within the organization.

Green noted the contrast between Atlanta’s performance with and without its point guard.

“It looks like they need a fresh start from both sides. Somebody will appreciate Trae and give him an extension,” Green said on the "No Fouls Given" podcast. “If Atlanta don’t want to pay, he might need to be elsewhere. It looks like Atlanta is moving in a different direction. They are balling right now without him.”

Young did not agree to a contract extension before the season began and can enter free agency next summer. His uncertain future is now colliding with Johnson’s breakthrough, prompting further scrutiny from former players with championship experience.

Paul Pierce said the Hawks will have to evaluate how Young fits into a team that appears to be evolving around Johnson’s growth.

Pierce said the franchise has tried for years to build around Young without finding championship success.

“I think they need to figure out how it looks when Trae comes back, see how that looks,” Pierce said. “If I see it stunting the development of these other guys, they’ve already shown they can’t win the championship with Trae as your best player, you need one of these guys to turn into a superstar like Jalen Johnson.”

He added that Johnson’s growth may force the Hawks to reconsider how much they ask of Young going forward.

“If he could turn into a superstar we could need to decrease Trae’s role where he fits in with them,” Pierce said.

Johnson’s emergence, paired with the Hawks’ early success during Young’s absence, has shifted the franchise into a moment of reflection. What once seemed like a transitional period has become a test case for whether Atlanta’s future centers on its longtime star or its fast-rising forward.

As Young nears free agency and Johnson continues to elevate his play, the voices calling for change are growing louder — and the Hawks may soon be forced to decide what version of themselves they want to build around.