Hawks need Jalen Johnson to prove 'he's the alpha in the room'
The Atlanta Hawks will open their 2026-27 season tonight on the road at the Orlando Magic, with hopes of building off their 2025-26 campaign in which they reached the Eastern Conference playoffs, however came up short in the opening round as the New York Knicks eliminated them in six games, and will look to Jalen Johnson to be a main catalyst.
“Look, Jalen [Johnson] has to prove that he’s that dude,” 92-9 The Game’s Carl Dukes said as he and cohost, Mike Bell, discussed the start of Atlanta’s season and shared thoughts on why Johnson has to have a bigger impact this season in comparison to year’s past.
“I need to see him turn into a killer Mike, and I mean that in a sports metaphor way. But I need him to go out every night and become that guy where you go ‘man, they don’t have answers for him,” Dukes said of his expectations of Johnson elevating his game this season.Can Jalen Johnson take the next step to prove he's 'that guy' for Hawks?
Can Jalen Johnson take the next step to prove he's 'that guy' for Hawks?
