The Atlanta Hawks have not been very good this season, sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference at 17-19. There has been plenty of frustration around the team. But in the middle of that, Jalen Johnson continues to stand out as one of the few reasons for optimism.
And that is not by accident. Johnson has taken a massive step forward this season, putting up 23.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game on 52.1% shooting from the field. That level of production has been hard to miss. As a result, he is building a case as a first time All-Star in the NBA.
If that trajectory continues, it is easy to see how the progression could move from All-Star to even superstar territory. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has already pushed the idea further, comparing Johnson to Chicago Bulls Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen.
“As far as talent you look at the long arms, 6’9, runs like a deer. Super athletic, he’s improved his outside touch. His ability to guard 1-5. I see that he’s going to continue to improve”
LeBron James thinks Jalen Johnson could be the next Scottie Pippen
“As far as talent you look at the long arms, 6’9, runs like a deer. Super athletic, he’s improved his outside touch. His ability to guard 1-5. I see that he’s going to continue to improve”
(Via @mindthegamepod) pic.twitter.com/DsPRltPbzV
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) January 6, 2026
