The Atlanta Hawks’ franchise is at a crossroads in 2023–24 NBA play, as they must demonstrate to ownership that their current roster is capable of competing in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks have been eliminated early in the playoffs and have found it difficult to repeat their success from a few years ago when they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Atlanta has an 8-7 record and is currently ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference, making them appear like a mediocre team even with their talented backcourt duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
On the roster, there have been some shining moments though, most notably small forward Jalen Johnson, who has improved.
This season, the former first-round pick has transformed into a quintessential 3-and-D wing, greatly enhancing the Hawks offense.
But according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Johnson just sustained a left wrist injury that will require him to miss several weeks of work.
Given how well Johnson has been playing this season, the timing is unfortunate for both Atlanta and him, but the team can at least take some solace in the fact that the injury isn’t more serious.
The team’s wing depth will be reduced by Johnson’s departure, so head coach Quin Snyder may need to rely even more on his guards to handle the majority of the scoring load.
The Hawks must win this season or risk blowing up the roster in the offseason, so hopefully Johnson can return sooner rather than later.