Jalen Johnson, the forward for the Atlanta Hawks, will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season due to a shoulder injury. The announcement of his season-ending surgery came today from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who reported, “Atlanta Hawks' Jalen Johnson will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a shoulder injury, sources tell ESPN. Johnson has averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the Hawks this season.”
The injury occurred during the second quarter of the Hawks’ game against the Toronto Raptors on January 25, 2025. Johnson was defending Raptors forward Scottie Barnes when he suffered the injury, resulting in him leaving the court immediately. Following this incident, he has been out of action and was spotted on the bench wearing a sling during the Hawks’ recent matchup against the Houston Rockets.
For Atlanta, this is particularly tough news as they try to stabilize their season. Currently, they sit at ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22 wins and 25 losses. The Hawks have struggled recently, facing six consecutive defeats, including the game where Johnson was injured. Without him on the court, the team has been outscored by 9.3 points per 100 possessions, indicating his significant impact on both ends of the floor.
Johnson’s contributions this season were notable; he averaged 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across 36 games, showcasing his growth as one of the team’s key players. This performance had positioned him as a candidate for the Most Improved Player award and even for possible selection to the All-Star game, with judges set to announce reserves shortly. According to multiple sources, he is one of just five players this season averaging at least 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, alongside stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić.
“Johnson has been diagnosed with a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will be sidelined for the rest of the season,” noted NBA insider Chris Haynes. The recent injury is seen as unfortunate for Johnson, who had signed a five-year, $150 million contract extension earlier this season, underlining Atlanta’s commitment to him as part of their future.
Moving forward, the Hawks will need to adapt their lineup without Johnson. This will require Trae Young to assume an even larger role offensively, as they attempt to recuperate their footing during this challenging stretch. The team may also look to other forwards like Zaccharie Risacher and De’Andre Hunter to fill the void left by Johnson’s absence. With injuries compounding, they may have to shift their strategy aggressively, possibly considering trades before the upcoming deadline to find additional depth at the forward position.
The Hawks hope to remain competitive as they aim for contention within the play-in tournament. Despite Johnson’s injury, they will need to utilize their roster effectively and perhaps pivot their strategies to boost their performance for the rest of the season. Johnson's absence undoubtedly poses challenges, but the franchise remains committed to its long-term goals and the development of its young talent.