Playmaking
Coming into the league, many fawned over James’s size and explosiveness. Yet, his basketball IQ and passing ability is what separated him from other elite athletes. With that in mind, Johnson averaged a career-high 5.0 assists per game in 2024-25. Nevertheless, it stands to reason that he wanted to continue to lean into his playmaking. James, fourth all-time in career assists, may be the best teacher a point-forward could ever get.
Passing With Flying Colors
For the Hawks, who not only want Young to play off-ball more but have brought in 3-point shooters like Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Johnson’s improving his ability to find them off of drive-and-kicks or out of the post will certainly be beneficial. Of course, off-ball scoring isn’t only done beyond the arc. That’s how high-level cutters like Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher can make an impact even if their 3-ball isn’t falling. With their length and finishing ability, big men serve as frequent cutters as well.
As Johnson improves as a ball-handler and floor-reader, he can even take on more responsibility as a pick-and-roll operator. His basic reads in the pick-and-roll could lead to flushes at the rim or open 3s. However, he might need to make an advanced pass to get the ball to its target. Alternately, his advanced reads could be skip passes where he’s at least one step ahead of the defense’s rotation or him outright manipulating the defense in order for him to open up the pass he wants to make. In time, those techniques could become increasingly simple for him.
Because he’s also able to catch-and-shoot, score off of cuts or be the screener/finisher in the pick-and-roll, this allows him to be their most dynamic offensive player.
I first noticed 5 Slot during the preseason — and from the start of it, Jalen Johnson seems to have been the biggest beneficiary
JJ gets so much space now that his center is moved just a little bit over
Here’s my first thread on “5 Slot”https://t.co/Q4sMkkKJbY
— Bowser2Bowser (@bowser2bowser) February 19, 2024
Johnson’s effectiveness will only be enhanced by the presence of Kristaps Porzingis, a reputable inside-outside who’ll open up driving (and passing) lanes with his ability to space the floor.
