Amidst a seven-game losing streak, the news just keeps getting worse for Hawks’ fans. Jalen Johnson has been diagnosed with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, following a shoulder dislocation on January 23rd against the Toronto Raptors. This will force Johnson to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season, and be fully recovered for the 2025-26 season.
The surgery will be preformed at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex by Dr. Kyle Hammond.
This is a huge blow for the Atlanta Hawks, who could not afford to lose their second-best player, behind Trae Young. Johnson was having a breakout season averaging 35.7 minutes, with 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block and 1.6 steals per game. The 23-year old swingman was well on his way to being a potential candidate for Most Improved Player, and even a potential fringe All-Star.
Atlanta will have to pivot as they are in a more awkward situation than most clubs. They can not “tank” because they do not own their draft pick for this season (owned by San Antonio), but now there is now a serious loss of talent for them to compete on a night-in-night-out basis.
The Hawks could potentially be buyers at the trade market, with big names available, such as: Brandon Ingram, Zach Lavine, Jimmy Butler, Julius Randle, and others. Not much of a positive spin on this for Atlanta, this is a tough pill to swallow, and hopefully Johnson can return next season 100% and ready to go.
