Jalen Johnson has emerged as one of the most exciting figures in the National Basketball Association in recent years. Born on December 18, 2001, in Wausau, Wisconsin, this 23-year-old player, standing at 2.03 meters and weighing 99 kilograms, plays as a small forward for the Atlanta Hawks. His basketball journey has been marked by a rapid rise, overcoming challenges and delivering standout performances that have placed him firmly on the radar of fans and analysts alike. Combining exceptional athleticism, court vision, and shooting ability, Johnson is not merely a talented player; he represents the future of the Atlanta franchise. This article explores his path from the courts of Wisconsin to the spotlight of the NBA in 2025, highlighting why he stands out as a rising star.
Origins and Early Steps in Basketball
Jalen Johnson’s story begins in a small Midwestern town where basketball is more than a sport—it is a family tradition. Raised by parents who always encouraged athletic pursuits, Johnson grew up immersed in outdoor games and intense training sessions. His passion for basketball emerged early, and by the age of 14, he was already drawing attention at Sun Prairie High School, a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin. Under coach Jeff Boos—who would later be inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame—Johnson displayed limitless potential.
As a freshman in the 2016-17 season, he averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, helping his team achieve a 20-4 record. Despite an elimination in the regional semifinals, his versatility was evident: he defended like a veteran and scored efficiently. As a sophomore, Johnson elevated his performance, posting averages of 18.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.5 blocks, leading Sun Prairie to a 25-2 record and a Division 1 state semifinal appearance—a historic achievement for the school.
Johnson then transferred to Nicolet High School in Glendale, Wisconsin, seeking greater challenges. There, he led the Knights to a Division 2 state championship and was named Associated Press Wisconsin Player of the Year. His statistics—24.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in just nine games following a brief stint at IMG Academy in Florida—cemented his status as an elite recruit. Rated as a five-star prospect and the 13th-best player in the class of 2020, Johnson was heavily pursued by top universities. In July 2019, he committed to Duke.
A Brief Stint at Duke and Preparation for the Pros
Arriving at Duke placed Johnson in one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball, under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. As a freshman in the 2020-21 season, he made an immediate impact, recording 19 points and an astonishing 19 rebounds in his debut against Coppin State, earning ACC Rookie of the Week honors. Weeks later, he scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds in a key victory over Georgia Tech.
However, his time in Durham was short-lived. In 13 games, eight as a starter, Johnson averaged 11.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Duke finished with a 13-11 record in the ACC, hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. In February 2021, Johnson announced his departure from the team to prepare for the NBA Draft, prioritizing professional development and family considerations. The decision was bold for a freshman, but it reflected his confidence. Coaches and scouts viewed him as a “two-way player” with the potential to become a versatile wing in the league.
The NBA Draft and Early Years with the Hawks
Selected 20th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 NBA Draft, Johnson signed his rookie contract in August of that year. Initially assigned to the Hawks’ G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, he gained valuable playing time. His NBA debut came during an unexpected playoff run that saw Atlanta reach the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, his first two seasons were focused on development: in 2021-22, limited by a left knee procedure, he appeared in 22 games off the bench, averaging 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 5.5 minutes.
His breakthrough came in the 2022-23 season, where he played in 70 games—six as a starter—averaging 5.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 14.9 minutes. The following year, 2023-24, marked an explosive leap: as a starter in 52 of 56 games, he averaged 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 33.7 minutes, with a 35.5% three-point shooting percentage.
Rise in 2024-25 and Overcoming Injury
The 2024-25 season promised to establish Johnson as a cornerstone player. In October, he signed a five-year, $150 million contract extension, signaling the franchise’s confidence in him. In 36 games as a starter, he averaged 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1 block in 35.7 minutes. However, a torn labrum in his left shoulder required surgery in January 2025, prematurely ending his season.
Triumphant Return in 2025-26
Returning for the 2025-26 season, Johnson quickly reasserted himself. With Trae Young sidelined by injury, he led the Hawks to an 11-8 start through late November, averaging 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, with shooting splits of 55% from the field and 39% from three-point range. In a standout performance on November 13, 2025, against the Utah Jazz, Johnson recorded 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, and a career-high 7 steals in a 132-122 victory—his third career triple-double and the first in NBA history to combine those statistics.
Johnson has since been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after leading Atlanta to a 4-0 road trip through the Western Conference—the franchise’s first such sweep in over five decades—averaging 24 points, 12 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 2.5 steals. His defensive contributions have helped the Hawks rank among the league’s top defensive teams.
Johnson has evolved into a primary playmaker, with an increased usage rate and assist percentage, while maintaining elite rebounding ability. As the Hawks integrate new additions and Young returns from injury, Johnson’s emergence as a versatile, all-around forward positions him as the heart of the franchise.
Building a Legacy
Jalen Johnson is no longer a promising recruit; he is the driving force behind the Atlanta Hawks. His transformation from an obscure reserve to a potential star exemplifies dedication and adaptability. In an era defined by versatile forwards, Johnson’s athleticism, intelligence, and relentlessness make him a perfect fit. Whether alongside Young or as the primary option, he has demonstrated the ability to carry a team. At just 23 years old, Johnson is only beginning to write his legacy in the NBA—and by all indications, it will be one for the ages.
