The question lingered over State Farm Arena for months: What would the Atlanta Hawks look like without Trae Young?
By season’s end, Jalen Johnson had answered it emphatically.
The 24-year-old forward turned the 2025-26 campaign into a statement year, earning his first NBA All-Star selection, anchoring Atlanta to the Southeast Division title, and establishing himself as the franchise’s undisputed cornerstone — all in the wake of one of the most consequential trades in Hawks history.
A New Era After the Young Trade
When Atlanta dealt Young to the Washington Wizards in January 2026, the move sent shockwaves through the league. Young had been the face of the franchise since his draft night in 2018, the engine behind a surprising 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run, and the most recognizable Hawk of his generation.
The trade signaled a clear organizational pivot. The Hawks were betting their future on Johnson.
He delivered immediately.
In the 34 games following the trade, Johnson elevated his play on both ends of the floor, shouldering a heavier offensive burden while continuing to anchor one of the league’s more versatile defensive units. Team officials indicated that the coaching staff restructured the offense to run through Johnson as the primary facilitator, a role he embraced without hesitation.
All-Star Recognition
Johnson’s All-Star selection, announced in February, validated what Hawks fans had been watching all season. The former first-round pick out of Duke had steadily built his game over four NBA seasons, but the 2025-26 campaign represented a leap that caught the attention of coaches and media voters across the league.
His combination of size, playmaking, and two-way impact made him one of the Eastern Conference’s most compelling players. League observers noted his ability to guard multiple positions while generating offense in transition and the half court — a skill set that has become increasingly valuable in the modern NBA.
Division Champions
The on-court results backed up the individual accolades. Atlanta finished 46-36, claiming the Southeast Division title and securing the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Key factors in the Hawks’ success included:
- Johnson’s consistency as a nightly two-way force
- Improved team defense that ranked among the conference’s best after the trade deadline
- Roster depth that allowed Atlanta to absorb the Young departure and maintain its playoff push
- Strong coaching adjustments that maximized Johnson’s versatility
The division crown marked a significant milestone for a franchise that many had written off as a rebuilding project after the midseason shakeup.
Playoff Run Ends Against New York
Atlanta’s season came to a close in the first round, where the Hawks fell to the New York Knicks in six games (2-4). The Knicks’ experience and depth ultimately proved decisive in the series.
Still, the playoff appearance itself was a win for the franchise’s long-term trajectory. Johnson competed hard against one of the East’s premier teams and showed he could perform on the postseason stage — even if the results didn’t break Atlanta’s way.
Looking Ahead
The Hawks’ front office has made its intentions clear: the franchise will be built around Jalen Johnson for the foreseeable future.
With a division title, an All-Star appearance, and a playoff berth on his résumé, Johnson has provided the organization with exactly what it needed — proof that the post-Young era can be defined by more than just what Atlanta gave up.
The 2025-26 season may have ended in a first-round exit, but it also delivered something the Hawks haven’t had in years: a clear identity and a franchise player ready to carry it forward.
Jordan Reyes covers sports for WACN 21 News. Contact at jreyes@wacn21.com.
