Jalen Johnson knows that leadership is about earning trust through communication and performance rather than boasting the loudest voice in the locker room.
If there is one player in today’s NBA who has quietly silenced doubts with growth, poise, and two-way impact, it’s Jalen Johnson. His first All-Star selection confirmed what the Atlanta Hawks already believed when they chose to build around him.
Moving forward with Johnson as the franchise cornerstone — ahead of four-time All-Star Trae Young — comes with pressure. At 24 years old, that responsibility is real. Yet the former Duke standout has embraced it without visible hesitation.
Johnson understands he’s still evolving, even in the midst of a career-defining season.
It wasn’t long ago that Johnson averaged just 5.6 points per game in his sophomore NBA campaign. At that stage, projecting him as a nightly No. 1 option would have felt ambitious.
Fast forward to now.
Through 52 games, Johnson is averaging 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 8.2 assists while shooting 49.4% from the field and 34.7% from three. He has transformed into one of the league’s most versatile forwards — a legitimate triple-double threat on any given night.
The leap has been dramatic.
Johnson is playing 35.7 minutes per game and operating as a primary initiator. His assist numbers reflect that expanded role, and his rebounding underscores his ability to impact possessions beyond scoring.
Still, Johnson knows leadership isn’t defined by box scores.
He may not be the loudest presence in the locker room, but he has made a conscious effort to grow vocally as his responsibilities have expanded.
“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,” Johnson said. “I just started talking more. That was the biggest thing once I got more opportunities. You need to be on the same page with your teammates, so communication is key. That’s something I’ve continued to grow in, and I want to keep getting better at it.”
That mindset was evident even in defeat.
In a 128-97 home loss to the Miami Heat, Johnson recorded 16 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. On paper, it was another triple-double. In reality, it was a frustrating night, as he shot 6-of-22 from the field while Atlanta was overwhelmed in the second half.
Johnson didn’t hide behind the stat line.
“I don’t really care for no triple-double. I played terrible tonight, just my opinion,” Johnson said. “I just got to be better, and I just got to be better for my teammates. But we have another chance on Sunday to regroup and hopefully string together some wins. We’re home for quite a long stretch. So chances are right in front of us, we just got to go out there and get it.”
That willingness to own the performance — even after filling the box score — speaks to the growth he referenced.
The NBA is unforgiving when it comes to timelines. Individual growth is celebrated, but sustained team success ultimately determines narratives.
Atlanta sits ninth in the Eastern Conference at 27-31. That record keeps the Hawks in the Play-In conversation, but it also underscores how thin the margin is.
Johnson has delivered the production. Now the next step is translating it into consistent winning.
Recent performances have shown both sides of the equation. He remains capable of filling the stat sheet — 16 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists against Miami, 32 points in a win over Philadelphia — but efficiency and late-game execution remain areas for refinement.
That’s not unexpected for a first-time All-Star learning how to anchor a franchise.
The second half of the season will test whether Johnson can elevate not only his numbers, but the team’s trajectory. If Atlanta is serious about returning to playoff relevance, its new centerpiece must continue expanding both his offensive polish and his command of the locker room.
The foundation is clearly in place.
Now it’s about results.