Jalen Johnson achieves historic NBA benchmark, joining LeBron, Jokic, and Westbrook with his all-around dominance this season.
The emergence of Jalen Johnson in a playmaker role is the main catalyst for why the Atlanta Hawks have been able to completely turn their season around, and are now viewed as a threat in the Eastern Conference.
On Saturday, stat gurus across the NBA determined that Jalen Johnson has joined exclusive NBA company for his strong numbers this season.
Jalen Johnson joins Lebron James, Nikola Jokic, and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to record 1,500+ points, 700+ rebounds, 500+ assists, and 100+ 3PM in a single season.
Johnson reported that he worked out with Lebron James during the NBA offseason, and it's clearly translating onto the court. The dominant forward has filled the shoes of Trae Young after his departure via trade, and has been such a strong leader for this Hawks team.
In 69 games played this season, Johnson is averaging 22.8 points per game, 10.3 total rebounds, and 8 assists. He's shooting 35% from beyond the arc and 49% from the field.
His scoring averages are all career-highs, and after being named to the All-Star team this February, Jalen Johnson is now in a head-to-head battle with teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker for Most Improved Player in the NBA.
If the Hawks are going to make any noise in the playoffs, it will be because of Jalen Johnson. He has become the heart and soul of this Atlanta team, and it's good to see his hard work pay off in the form of this illustrious recognition among the league's very best all-around playmakers.
Just four games are remaining on the NBA schedule for the Hawks, and Atlanta can realistically finish anywhere between the fourth and 10th seed in the East.
However, Atlanta has put itself in a good position where if they just win two of the last four games, it will likely earn a playoff series.