Jalen Johnson's return from injury could be key for the Atlanta Hawks' success

Fans of the Atlanta Hawks prepare themselves for the beginning of the team’s game against the Golden State Warriors in State Farm Arena on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Marlon Hyde/WABE)

After a flurry of offseason moves and a reshaping of the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks are poised to be a factor this year.

And while four-time All-Star Trae Young is still the team’s fulcrum, a second All-Star will need to emerge if the Hawks are to fulfill expectations. Enter Jalen Johnson.

The Hawks’ 6-foot-9 forward is entering his fifth season out of Duke coming off a torn labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery last January and ended his season. He lasted only 36 games, but he continued his ascent with career-highs in points (18.9), rebounds (10.0), steals (1.6), blocks (1.0) and minutes (35.7).