Latest news with #JalenJohnson
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hawks Roster, Projected Starting Lineup After Kristaps Porzingis Trade
Hawks Roster, Projected Starting Lineup After Kristaps Porzingis Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Atlanta Hawks added an experienced frontcourt star to their roster on Tuesday. The Hawks had a three-team trade with the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets to acquire veteran star Kristaps Porzingis. With this move, the Hawks solved their upcoming frontcourt problem. Advertisement The Hawks have a promising young group with Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher. Together with All-Star guard Trae Young, Atlanta could have a promising group for the 2025-26 season. On top of that, they acquired a championship-tested player in Porzingis. After missing the playoffs for two straight seasons, the future might be bright for Atlanta. With the single move they made to acquire Porzingis, they're likely to be a playoff team next season. Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks during the second Jairaj-Imagn Images Atlanta Hawks Updated Roster & Projected Starting 5 After Trading for Kristaps Porzingis C - Kristaps Porzingis, Onyeka Okongwu, Clint Capela (free agent) Advertisement PF - Jalen Johnson, Larry Nance Jr. (free agent), Mouhamed Gueye, Dominick Barlow (free agent) SF - Zaccharie Risacher, Caris LeVert (free agent), Garrison Mathews SG - Dyson Daniels, Vit Krejci PG - Trae Young, Kobe Bufkin The Hawks look secure in their frontcourt, especially now that Onyeka Okongwu will get help from Porzingis. Clint Capela is expected to leave Atlanta in free agency, which leaves the team the option to pursue a third-string center. One of the priorities for the Hawks this summer is to re-sign upcoming free agents Caris LeVert and Larry Nance Jr. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, both players have proven their worth. Advertisement "After acquiring LeVert in a trade before the deadline, Hawks coach Quin Snyder valued his impact in the locker room, secondary playmaking ability, and scoring, including 14.9 points on 48.2 percent shooting from the field in 26.6 minutes," Scotto wrote about LeVert. One of the main concerns for the Hawks this offseason is the backup point guard for Young. Last season, Kobe Bufkin was limited to 10 games after he was ruled out for the rest of the campaign after undergoing a season-ending shoulder surgery. The Hawks hold the No. 13 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and could use it to draft a young facilitator. Recent mock drafts suggest that Atlanta should make a move to acquire a big man. However, that could change after they traded for Porzingis. Related: Trae Young Reacts to Tyrese Haliburton's Injury in Game 7 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
UCLA guard Kobe Johnson reunites with brother by signing with Atlanta Hawks
UCLA Bruins guard Kobe Johnson didn't hear his name called on NBA draft night, but his opportunity to play professionally in the NBA still emerged. Johnson signed a contract with Atlanta Hawks, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony on Twitter. Johnson has the opportunity to play beside his older brother, small forward Jalen Johnson on the Atlanta Hawks. Jalen Johnson was drafted by the Hawks in 2021 with the No. 20 pick, but will be returning from a season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, according to ESPN. The Atlanta Hawks received a 2026 First Round pick and drafted Georgia forward Asa Newell with the No. 23 pick in the NBA's 2025 draft after a trade down from No. 13 with the New Orleans Pelicans. Following the conclusion of the draft, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Real Madrid's Eli John Ndiaye signed a two-way contract with the Hawks. That made Johnson the third player of the draft class to sign with the Hawks and the first UCLA player signed by any team this year. Johnson played his first three years for the University of Southern California Trojans, but finished his collegiate career at UCLA for the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot-6-inch guard put up a defensive clinic in his final three years of college earning back-to-back-to-back All-Defensive Team honors for his final two years for the Trojans in the PAC-12 and his year with the Bruins in the Big Ten. According to UCLA, the three-time All-Defensive player "averaged 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game in his collegiate career." The Atlanta Hawks pairing the Johnson brothers add an excitement to the team and pairing them alongside a rookie like Newell makes them an intriguing team to watch this upcoming season.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Push' Made for Surprise California Team to Trade for Hawks' Trae Young
'Push' Made for Surprise California Team to Trade for Hawks' Trae Young originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Could the Atlanta Hawks be seriously looking to ditch four-time All-Star point guard Trae Young this summer? Advertisement Granted, Young is an undersized lead guard and a defensive sieve. His Hawks have struggled around the fringes of the play-in tournament picture ever since their surprise run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals as a No. 5 seed. But Atlanta appears to be cementing a fun fringe contender around Young and rising power forward Jalen Johnson in a wide-open Eastern Conference playoff picture, with All-Stars Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard all potentially out for the entire 2025-26 season as they recover from Achilles tears suffered in the playoffs. The Hawks flipped their No. 13 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for the rights to Georgia power forward/center Asa Newell and, stunningly, New Orleans' unprotected 2026 first round selection. Given the Pelicans' recent lack of on-court success, that pick could be quite good for what promises to be a loaded lottery class. Atlanta also traded away shooting guard Terance Mann, forward Georges Niang, their No. 22 pick, and their rights to the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2031 second round selection for Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis as part of a three-team deal with the Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks during the second Jairaj-Imagn Images It appears the Hawks are laying the groundwork for the future with that Pelicans pick, while also bringing in a key win-now piece in Porzingis. Advertisement One team that is absolutely desperate for a high-caliber starting point guard, however, could be in the market for Young's services. If the price is right, would Atlanta bite? According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, some Sacramento Kings decision makers have advocated for a Young deal. Amick writes that "there was a push among some power-brokers for Sacramento to go after Atlanta's Trae Young, but league sources say the Kings didn't have interest because of his style of play (offense-first) and cost (he's extension-eligible this summer but is slated to earn $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million in 2026-27)." Advertisement Bringing in Young would only exacerbate the Kings' biggest problem: the club's best, most ball-dominant players are all offense-only pieces. Former All-Stars Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan all struggle on the other side of the floor, as does guard Malik Monk. Sacramento would likely offload at least one of these players (LaVine's money aligns nicely and Sacramento is already fielding trade offers for him, but Sabonis likely has the most trade value as a versatile modern center) in a Young deal, but even still, bringing in Young doesn't cure what ails the Kings. Related: Blockbuster NBA Trade Idea Has Hawks Land $194 Million Superstar for Trae Young This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Hawks' perfect outcome for No. 13 pick in 2025 NBA Draft
The post Atlanta Hawks' perfect outcome for No. 13 pick in 2025 NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Atlanta Hawks have a roster hovering between playoff contention and full-scale rebuild. As such, the 2025 NBA Draft presents an opportunity to solidify their direction. Holding the No. 13 pick, Atlanta has a chance to add a young, impactful talent. Whoever that turns out to be can either complement star guard Trae Young or help usher in a new era if the franchise ultimately chooses to pivot. The stakes are high, of course. With the right choice, the Hawks can take a major step forward. Another Year of Uncertainty The Hawks finished the 2024-25 season 40-42, once again stuck in the middle. They were too good to tank but not good enough to contend. Trae Young trade rumors, which began back in 2023, still linger as questions persist about his long-term fit as the franchise centerpiece. Meanwhile, Atlanta's direction remains unclear. Youthful talents like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher offer promise. However, deadline moves to acquire veterans and cap flexibility hint at a short-term approach. As the 2025 offseason begins, the Hawks must decide: build around Young or pivot to a full youth movement. Either way, the No. 13 pick will play a pivotal role. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Here we will discuss the perfect outcome for the Atlanta Hawks as they choose a rookie with the No. 13 pick in 2025 NBA Draft. The Ideal Target Few prospects fit Atlanta's needs at No. 13 better than Michigan State's Jase Richardson. The 6'4 combo guard blends skill, versatility, and two-way upside that align perfectly with the Hawks' roster. Advertisement After a strong freshman year (12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 threes per game), Richardson surprised scouts by declaring early. Still, his polished all-around game justifies the move. He's comfortable playing both on and off the ball, showing poise, IQ, and adaptability well beyond his years. In today's NBA, Richardson's ability to both run an offense in spurts and complement primary scorers like Young makes him highly valuable. That's whether as a partner or potential replacement if the franchise pivots. A Seamless Fit Richardson fits Atlanta's plans no matter the direction. If they stick with Young, Richardson offers a low-usage, unselfish guard who spaces the floor and steadies the backcourt. If the Hawks lean into youth, he pairs perfectly with Daniels to form a switchable, defense-first perimeter duo. They can certainly disrupt opposing offenses. Richardson's ability to contribute without dominating the ball allows him to slot seamlessly into any lineup. He can start or come off the bench. Atlanta needs glue guys who raise the floor — and Richardson does just that. What Scouts Are Saying Richardson isn't flawless, though. Some scouts question his burst and whether he can consistently beat defenders or lead an NBA offense full-time. His playmaking instincts and first-step explosiveness remain areas for growth. Advertisement Yet, Atlanta minimizes those concerns. With established creators like Young, Johnson, and Daniels around him, Richardson can thrive. He can become a secondary playmaker and off-ball defender. The Hawks don't need him to be a lead guard right away — or ever. This would allow him to focus on his strengths while developing his weaknesses at his own pace. A Strategic Draft Philosophy Drafting Richardson would reflect a smart, flexible approach. The Hawks need players who fit both a short-term push and a long-term rebuild. For sure, Richardson offers both. His versatility allows the front office to keep its options open, matching the 'dual-track' approach many modern teams use to remain competitive while developing young talent. Whether Atlanta competes now or transitions later, Richardson provides value across both timelines. Can't Afford to Miss at No. 13 This draft pick is crucial. After years stuck in the NBA's middle class, Atlanta needs clarity and impact. Richardson offers both: a versatile guard who stabilizes the roster today and grows into a larger role tomorrow. Brett Davis-Imagn Images In a loaded Eastern Conference, another year of mediocrity is dangerous. Smart drafting can finally push the Hawks out of that cycle. Richardson's high floor, defensive mindset, and growth potential make him a safe yet meaningful swing at No. 13. The Perfect Puzzle Piece As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Atlanta's front office faces a pivotal decision. The Hawks have been drifting in a state of flux, but adding Jase Richardson could finally give them a player capable of bridging their present and future. Advertisement Richardson may not project as a future All-NBA centerpiece, but that's not what Atlanta needs right now. They need stability, versatility, and players who enhance multiple lineup configurations. They need individuals who fit alongside both their current core and any future reimagining of the roster. They need, quite simply, the right puzzle piece. At No. 13, Jase Richardson might be exactly that. Related: Hawks hire Pelicans, 76ers execs to work with new GM
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shakamak's Jalen Johnson talks comeback from injury
JASONVILLE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Shakamak sophomore Jalen Johnson talks about his return from injury and the baseball team's run to semi-state. Johnson suffered a compound fracture in his left leg playing basketball for Shakamak in the 2024 First Financial Classic. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
