Jalen Johnson has been everything the Atlanta Hawks expected and needed this season, and more. Currently ranked second for Most Improved Player, Johnson has not only expanded his game, but he's doing a lot for the Hawks on both ends of the court. His recent game against the Chicago Bulls showed what he had in his arsenal, finishing with 30 points and 15 points and shooting 11 of 16 from the field.
After the game, head coach Quin Snyder gave Johnson his stamp of approval on his play and how he was able to help the Hawks this season.
“When Jalen is a connector, good things happen,” Snyder said. “It’s his ability to get to the rim and find a teammate. This is huge for us. I thought he really let the game come to him. I talked a lot about his reads when he has the ball, when he doesn't have the ball, when he drives it. When he plays that way, it's an inspiring way to play. In addition to speaking and speaking, his play speaks.
Johnson doesn't talk much about his game, but it's obvious his leadership shines on the court.
“I'll do whatever it takes to help my team win, that's what I try to do,” Johnson said. “Even when my shots aren’t falling, I always try to make a positive impact in some way.”
If Johnson continues to play at this level, there should be no reason why he won't be a leading candidate for Most Improved Player at the end of the season.
Jalen Johnson makes the case for MIP
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Jalen Johnson is having the best season of his career, averaging 19.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. The league took notice of what Johnson does regularly and gained support from coaches such as Doc Rivers, who compared him to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“We play against that every day in practice,” Rivers said. “He’s Giannis in many ways… Jalen has improved his decision-making at a rapid pace. He went from rookie quarterback to veteran quarterback.
Before the season, Quin Snyder spoke highly of Johnson and what he thought he could bring to the team this season.
“His versatility is something truly unique,” Snyder said. “The times when he played his best basketball last year, he really let the game come to him. I think when you have the ability to pass, shoot and handle [the ball]it gives you the opportunity to do that, to be able to impact the game in different ways throughout the game.
Come to find out, Johnson has done everything Snyder expected, and he's been the clear No. 2 option for the Hawks when he's on the court.
