Every franchise eventually has to answer a simple question: who really represents us? For the Atlanta Hawks, that answer has long been Trae Young, the All-Star guard whose shooting range, flair, and offensive load have defined the team’s identity. But as the roster turns over and a new core forms, that picture is starting to shift. The idea of Jalen Johnson becoming face of Hawks is no longer a bold prediction. It’s beginning to feel like the logical next step.
Why Jalen Johnson Being the Face of Hawks Makes Sense Now
Johnson brings a blend of size, athleticism, and feel that fits perfectly with where the NBA is going. He can handle in the open floor, make reads as a passer, and finish above the rim. That makes him a triple-double threat on any given night. On defense, he has the tools to guard multiple positions and create chaos in passing lanes. When you watch the Hawks now, possessions often tilt around him, even when he is not the one taking the shot. That is the kind of gravity you want from the player who becomes the face of the Hawks’ identity.
He also fits Atlanta’s timeline. Instead of forcing a veteran star into a young group, the Hawks have a rising wing who can grow with the rest of the roster. That matters. Building around Johnson allows the organization to lean into a long-term window, not just chase a short burst of success. If you are looking for someone who can be at the center of the next five years, Johnson’s case for being the next face of the Hawks starts to look very strong.
Two-way engine for a modern Hawks identity
On offense, Johnson checks nearly every modern box. He can grab a rebound and push in transition, turning defense into instant offense without needing an outlet pass. In the half court, he can initiate sets, run pick-and-roll, or function as a connector who keeps the ball moving. That versatility makes him more than just a scorer or a role player. It positions him as an offensive engine and a core reason why Johnson’s case carries real weight.
He also unlocks lineup creativity. With Johnson at the center of things, the Hawks can toggle between big and small groups without losing their identity. He can play as a jumbo wing, a small-ball four, or even the nominal five in certain five-out looks. That flexibility lets the coaching staff experiment without sacrificing spacing or playmaking. When your supposed franchise face gives you that many lineup combinations, it’s easier to envision Johnson leading the Hawks in the near future.
Defensively, Johnson embodies what Atlanta wants to become. He has the length and quickness to switch onto guards, battle bigger forwards, and still help at the rim. He competes on the glass and can trigger fast breaks with a single rebound or steal. That kind of two-way activity changes the energy of a game. A franchise face who sets that tone on defense sends a clear message about what the Hawks want to prioritize.
Leadership, brand, and franchise image
There’s also a leadership element taking shape. You can see Johnson’s confidence growing in how he calls for the ball and communicates on the floor. He embraces big moments. He doesn’t always need to dominate the box score to leave his imprint, and teammates feed off that presence. Over time, that kind of steady influence is exactly what you want from the next face of the franchise.
Off the court, he fits the market and the brand. Johnson has a style of play that’s exciting enough for highlights but grounded enough to represent winning basketball. He can appeal to casual fans who love dunks and fast breaks. He also connects with hardcore fans who care about rotations, reads, and matchups. When a player can reach both groups, elevating him into the face of the Hawks becomes a marketing win as well as a basketball decision.
Ultimately, choosing a franchise face is about more than talent. It’s about fit, identity, and timing. Johnson lines up with all three. His game mirrors the modern NBA, and his age lines up with Atlanta’s future. His impact already shows up in wins and momentum swings.
Even with recent media chatter about hypothetically trading him for Giannis Antetokounmpo in splashy fake packages, the Hawks should treat him as untouchable in any talks. The more the team leans into his strengths, the clearer it becomes that Johnson’s franchise player status is the blueprint for where Atlanta should go next.
© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The post Why Jalen Johnson Being the Face of Hawks Makes Sense Now appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.