Times have been tough for the Atlanta Hawks, who have lost 10 of their last 14 games and suffered a handful of awful blowouts in that span. Unfortunately, the news isn’t likely to get better anytime soon.
Star forward Jalen Johnson has been limited to just 36 games this season due to injuries and load management, but has been money when healthy. Johnson has been averaging a career-high 19.1 points, 5.1 assists and 10.1 rebounds per game at forward for the Hawks this year. He leads the team in rebounds and is behind only De’Andre Hunter and Trae Young in the other categories.
But the 36 games the Hawks have had him for are apparently going to be the last they see of him this season. According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Johnson is set to undergo season-ending surgery on a nagging shoulder injury.
“Atlanta Hawks’ Jalen Johnson will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a shoulder injury, sources tell ESPN. Johnson has averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the Hawks this season,” Charania reported.
Atlanta Hawks’ Jalen Johnson will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a shoulder injury, sources tell ESPN. Johnson has averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the Hawks this season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 29, 2025
Fans on social media are understandably nervous for the Hawks and hoping that Johnson makes a full recovery:
“My heart is broken…. The #Hawks aren’t nearly as dangerous with Johnson now sidelined…,” one user replied.
“Absolutely brutal. Had been fantastic all year. Have to wonder if this (somewhat) changes ATL’s approach to the deadline. Maybe they look to sell off even more with the season likely too far gone? 3 games under .500 but still the 9 seed as of rn. Will he interesting for sure,” another mused.
“Brutal for my Hawks. Might have been an all star and have lost the six games without him,” a third lamented.
That’s a lot of production that the Hawks are missing out on with half of an NBA season still to play.
Can Atlanta find a way into the playoffs without Johnson? Will they perhaps try to make a splash at the trade deadline?
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