Jalen Johnson reflects on his dynamic with Trae Young, his rise as a Hawks leader, and earning respect from NBA legends like Kevin Durant.
One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Atlanta Hawks this season came earlier this year when the organization decided to trade away franchise icon Trae Young.
With that trade transpiring, the Hawks' front office, mainly GM Onsi Saleh, is basically denoting that they will build around Jalen Johnson, who is participating in the first All-Star game of his career after a breakout season. Johnson is one of the favorites to win the NBA's most improved player award.
During the media session of the All-Star game, Jalen Johnson was asked about his and Trae Young's relationship while on the Hawks:
"When I first came into the league, Trae was a good leader. He always had advice whenever I had questions. He was an easy person to talk to."
The Jalen Johnson-Trae Young relationship never took huge form like some of Young's other teammates, but it became apparent in the early part of the 2024-25 season that Johnson might have the ability to carry the freight of this Hawks' offense.
Fast forward to this season, and he's just as dynamic a scorer and playmaker as Trae Young had ever been in his time with Atlanta.
In 50 games played this season, Jalen Johnson is averaging 23.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He's shooting at a 50% clip and is posting career-highs in all major statistical categories.
Johnson was a former first-round draft pick out of Duke and burst onto the scene with Atlanta by his third season.
Among other things, Johnson also answered the question of how it felt for Kevin Durant to say he could be an All-Star every season:
"That's cool. That means a lot coming from a guy like KD. Obviously, he's a savant with the basketball stuff. So having high praise from somebody like that it mean's a lot."
Jalen Johnson was also asked about how his leadership role has changed over the last few weeks/months:
"I think it's pretty much been the same the whole year, just trying to continue to find my voice. Leadership looks different for different people. One thing I always try to do is lead by example. Just continuing to do that, that's the plan."