In some heartbreaking news, Chris Haynes has just reported that Jalen Johnson has suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder and will miss the remainder of the season.Â
Johnson, who signed a five-year, $150 million contract extension with the Hawks this past offseason, is in the middle of a career year, averaging nearly 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He had become a bonafide second option to Trae Young and was even receiving All-Star consideration in just his second year as a starter in Atlanta.
Losing Johnson is detrimental to the Hawks chances of making any noise in the postseason. However, that’s far from the biggest concern. The injuries are becoming a re-occurring trend early in his career, and this is one that will undoubtedly stall his development for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, he comes back and is the same guy next season. Johnson is still just 23-years-old after all, but it undoubtedly throws a massive wrench into the Hawks short-term plans.
With the trade deadline approaching, it might be best for Atlanta to look toward the future. Guys like Bogdan Bogdonavic and Clint Capela could find themselves on different teams in a matter of weeks. That’s not going to appease Trae Young, but without Jalen Johnson, the Hawks don’t really have much of a choice.
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Photographer: Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
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