Trae Young has missed all but four games this season, and in his absence, Jalen Johnson has elevated his play to another level. Johnson is currently in the midst of a four-game triple-double streak, prompting questions about how the Hawks will look once Young returns. While appearing on The Midday Show, Hawks broadcaster Mike Conti was asked whether Johnson could be the team’s No. 1 option when Young comes back—and his response was telling.
“No, because the ball doesn’t move that way, but that’s okay. Jalen Johnson’s having a great run right now, but will not be getting triple-doubles when Trae comes back. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as long as the ball continues to move the way it’s been moving,” explains Mike Conti.
“Jalen has been the focal point of the offense, starting to draw more attention defensively, having to facilitate more. Jalen’s not going to be the fulcrum of the offense anymore; it’s going to be Trae.”