Season-Ending Injury! What Jalen Johnson’s Absence Means for the Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks’ season has taken a devastating turn. Already struggling with inconsistency, the team was dealt a massive blow when rising star Jalen Johnson was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The 23-year-old forward, who had been a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating campaign, will undergo surgery next week, officially ending his breakout year.

This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Hawks, currently sitting at 22-25 and ninth in the Eastern Conference, are in the middle of a brutal six-game losing streak. Despite flashes of brilliance, such as sweeping the Celtics and Cavaliers this season, they have also suffered embarrassing losses to bottom-tier teams like the Wizards and Raptors. Now, without Johnson, their path to the playoffs looks even more uncertain.

Jalen Johnson’s Breakout Year

Before his injury, Johnson was experiencing a career-defining season. Through 36 games, he was averaging:

• 18.9 points
• 10.0 rebounds
• 5.0 assists
• 1.6 steals
• 1.0 blocks

For context, only three players in the league were averaging at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 steal per game—Johnson, Anthony Davis, and Victor Wembanyama. If you add 5 assists and 1 block into the equation, Johnson stands alone. That’s how special his impact was.

His growth from a bench player into one of Atlanta’s most crucial pieces has been nothing short of remarkable:

• 2021-22 (Rookie Season): 2.4 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.1 APG
• 2022-23: 5.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 APG
• 2023-24: 16.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 3.6 APG before injury

The leap he made this season wasn’t just about numbers—it was about versatility, consistency, and defensive dominance.

A Do-It-All Forward

At 6’8” with a 7’0” wingspan, Johnson is the prototype of the modern NBA forward. His elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and playmaking ability make him a rare breed. Whether it’s grabbing rebounds, facilitating offense, or locking down opponents on the perimeter, he does it all.

His defensive numbers speak for themselves:

• 14.4 shots contested per game
• 3.5% decrease in opponents’ field goal percentage
• 6.4% drop in opponents’ three-point percentage when guarded by Johnson

In a league where two-way wings are invaluable, Johnson was becoming a cornerstone for Atlanta. His defensive impact was second only to Dyson Daniels on the Hawks, posting a +1.4 Defensive BPM, proving that his presence on the court made Atlanta significantly tougher on that end.

Hawks' Offense and Defense Take a Hit

Atlanta has built its reputation as a high-powered offensive team, led by Trae Young. However, this season, the Hawks’ offensive efficiency ranks just 24th in the NBA, while their defense sits at 13th—a surprising shift from previous years. Johnson’s development played a major role in this defensive improvement.

The on/off numbers highlight just how crucial he was:

• With Johnson on the court: Hawks’ net rating = +1.6 (111.8 OFFRTG / 110.2 DEFRTG)
• With Johnson off the court: Hawks’ net rating = -8.5 (104.1 OFFRTG / 112.6 DEFRTG)

Translation? When Johnson played, the Hawks outscored opponents by 1.6 points per 100 possessions. When he sat, they got outscored by 8.5 points per 100 possessions. That is a massive drop-off, highlighting just how vital he was to their success.

Weaknesses Still Present

As promising as Johnson has been, his game is still a work in progress. His three-point shooting (31.2% on 3.9 attempts per game) remains shaky, and his free-throw percentage (74.6%) isn’t ideal for a player who operates in the paint as much as he does. These are areas he will need to improve if he wants to take the next step toward stardom.

What’s Next for the Hawks?

With Johnson out, Atlanta faces a serious dilemma. Their lack of depth at the forward position means that players like De’Andre Hunter and Saddiq Bey will need to step up in a major way. The problem? Neither brings the all-around impact that Johnson does, especially defensively.

Even worse, this injury could have major implications for their 2025 NBA Draft pick. As part of the Dejounte Murray trade, Atlanta owes the Spurs an unprotected 2025 first-round pick. If the Hawks collapse without Johnson and fall into the lottery, San Antonio could walk away with a top-tier pick in one of the best draft classes in years. Imagine a Victor Wembanyama & Cooper Flagg duo—nightmare fuel for the rest of the NBA.

Jalen Johnson’s Future

Despite this setback, the Hawks have reason to be optimistic about Johnson’s long-term future. He recently signed a 5-year, $150 million extension, a deal that already looks like a steal given his production. Assuming he makes a full recovery, he could return next season as an even better player.

Johnson’s work ethic, versatility, and defensive impact make him one of the most exciting young forwards in the NBA. If he can sharpen his shooting and continue developing as a secondary playmaker, there’s All-Star potential in his future.

For now, the Hawks must navigate the rest of the season without him. Whether they fight for a playoff spot or fall deeper into the standings remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Jalen Johnson’s injury is a devastating loss, and the Hawks will feel it every single night.