It did not look pretty when Kyle Kuzma took out Jalen Johnson from the air Saturday night, on a chase-down block attempt, but it does look like the Hawks & Johnson avoided worst-case scenario. Reported by Shams Charania, Johnson will avoid surgery and sit out 4-6 weeks for his left wrist and be slated for a potential New Years or mid-January return.
Johnson was enjoying a great start in his first season as the starting forward for the Hawks. He was averaging 14.1 points per game on 59.4% from the field, 42.5% from three and 75.8% from the free through line, all career-high’s. Johnson also was averaging 7.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 block per game, as well. His early-season success had him among the league candidates for the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
The Hawks will have to now navigate a long multi-game stretch without one of their key pieces. Look for Onyeka Okongwu to get more starts under his belt, De’Andre Hunter & Saddiq Bey playing minutes at power forward, and potentially (health permitting), rookie, Mouhamed Gueye, getting some action.
Atlanta is currently 8-7 and holds the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.
