As they attempt to maintain their spot in the 2023-24 Play-In Tournament, the Atlanta Hawks will have rising star Jalen Johnson back in the lineup on Monday, Apr. 1 (per The Athletic’s Shams Charania).
Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (sprained ankle) will return tonight vs. the Bulls, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Johnson – in a career season averaging 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists – has been out since March 18 after suffering an ankle sprain against the Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 1, 2024
Hawks Rising Star Jalen Johnson’s Return to Imminent
A multifaceted forward who’s being compared to league legend LeBron James, Johnson has had an eye-opening season, averaging 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 combined steals and blocks per game. His biggest obstacle has been his health. Out since Mar. 18 with an ankle injury, Johnson has been out for at least a three-game stretch on three separate occasions. He’s missed nine total games this season due to ankle injuries.
Unfortunately for Johnson, he’ll be ineligible for the 2023-24 Most Improved Player Award. With just eight regular season games remaining on the Hawks’ schedule, he’s only played 51 games this season
The NBA now has a 65-game minimum to be eligible for end-of-season awards and all-league honors. It’s an unpopular measure among fans and players because otherwise deserving candidates —like Johnson —will be overlooked. Nonetheless, it raises the bar for the league’s standard-bearers and incentivizes players to not rest for games if they’re not injured.
In any case, Johnson and the Hawks’ focus is on the postseason. Now 10-8 since Trae Young sustained a pinky tear, Atlanta has navigated a difficult road admirably. With that being said, Young is inching back to the court as well.
Hawks say Trae Young is making progress in his recovery.
Next step of his rehabilitation: introducing small finger motion exercises this week.
His status will be updated as appropriate. pic.twitter.com/8MCUXIvlK0
— Lauren L. Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) March 26, 2024
Last week, the Hawks announced that the three-time All-Star had taken the next step in his recovery process.
Though he still hasn’t practiced, his return is highly anticipated. Young has averaged 26.4 points, a career-high 10.8 assists, and a career-high 1.4 steals per game this season. He’s also shooting 37.1 percent from 3, converting over 36 percent of his long-bombs for the third time in his career.
Per the 2023-24 NBA schedule, the regular season ends on Apr. 14, and the Play-In Tournament will take place from Apr. 16-19.
