Nikola Jokic marvels at Jalen Johnson's emerging star power, comparing him to a "little fawn" after his impressive statistical surge.
The Atlanta Hawks' All-Star forward Jalen Johnson is starting to gain a lot of attention around the NBA for his electric style of play and production this season. Over 57 games, Johnson is averaging 22.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game.
Recently, Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokić, arguably the best player in the NBA right now, gave some high praise to Johnson following one of Denver's recent games.
Jokić noted he has been keeping tabs on the Hawks because of Johnson:
"I watched Atlanta a few times recently, you know, because of that kid Jalen Johnson," Jokić said on the X&O's Chat podcast. "He is an interesting player. He's like a little fawn. He's good."
There's a good chance Jokić is taking notice of what Johnson can do, collecting rebounds and dishing out assists from the forward position. Jokić is averaging a triple-double on the season, and Johnson isn't far off, needing just 2.1 more assists per game to reach that threshold. In 2025-26, Jokić is averaging 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.3 assists.
Johnson has looked the part, too. His last five games include a 35-point double-double against the Philadelphia 76ers and a 26-point double-double against the Brooklyn Nets.
None of it has come as a surprise to Johnson himself.
"Not to sound arrogant or anything, but this is like what I expected of myself," Johnson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "The work that I put in, I didn't come into this league just to be average, a guy that said they made it. I wanted to make an impact. That's the mentality I carry into every offseason, while I'm playing and all that."
Johnson also reflected on earning his first All-Star selection this season.
"It's kind of tough to really, fully dive into how you're feeling, especially 'cause it is midseason," Johnson said. "But initially, I was extremely excited, just grateful, blessed to be placed in that position to make that game. I was representing so many people, not only myself, there."
The Hawks are relying heavily on Johnson to control their offense, and ever since Trae Young was traded, he has taken on that role and flourished.
Johnson has an outside chance to earn All-NBA honors this season and is already a favorite to win Most Improved Player of the Year. His emergence has been the biggest story of the season for Atlanta.
On the team front, the Hawks have won six straight to improve to 33-31, giving them the best active winning streak in the East. They have four home games in a row this week, starting with the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at State Farm Arena, followed by the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks.