It was more of the same for the Atlanta Hawks against the Pistons on Wednesday night. Win a big game, have a chance to go above .500, gain some ground in the playoff standings. Once again that opportunity was squandered.
The Hawks took a lead early after the first quarter. From that point on it was all Pistons. Giving up a combined 67 points in the second and third quarters, there weren't many positives to take away from the game. Except for one. Jalen Johnson.
Johnson was the Hawks first round selection in the 2021 NBA Draft and has seldom seen playing time this year. Part of that was due to needing development, being that he only played in 13 games during his time at Duke University. However, in those 13 games Johnson shot 53% from the field and 44% from three point range.
The rookie only averages about four minutes per game this year but saw his most action of the season against the Pistons, and looked impressive in his 25 minute outing. Johnson put up 11 points and 7 rebounds, but most importantly was his energy.
Atlanta has looked like a team running in quick sand all season. Coach Nate McMillan has noted the "lack of effort" on this team multiple times this year. This is where Jalen Johnson could be key.
Bringing in a young, hungry, and, having only played in 17 games this year, rested, wing-player who can provide an offensive punch taking pressure off of Trae Young would be huge for a team trying to make a playoff push.
Its surprising this move hasn't been made already, but its clear with just nine games left in the season, what the Hawks have tried this year hasn't worked. Its time to shake things up, and Jalen Johnson could do just that.