Eyes have been on the Atlanta Hawks this offseason for all the right things. Asa Newell has turned heads with his summer league performance and the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis has effectively rounded out the Hawks' front court. However, there is still a glaring problem for the Hawks' front office that could potentially derail their entire season.
Jalen Johnson's Injury Concerns Could Stand in Hawks' Way
Despite an overwhelming amount of talent coming from Duke, forward Jalen Johnson has had a difficult time battling injuries in his time in Atlanta. Since being drafted by the Hawks in 2021, Johnson has played a total of 184 games (an average of 46 out of 82 games played in a season). Early on, Johnson suffered ankle injuries on multiple occasions that hindered his ability to play. Just this past season, Johnson suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder and missed the second half of the regular season.
Before his season-ending injury, Johnson had the best season of his career in Atlanta. He averaged a double-double with 18.9 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. Along with that, he also averaged 5 assists per game. Johnson has the talent, and he has progressed very well in this Hawks offense. However, injuries could be a major problem for the team.
There is no definite answer on how Johnson will play when he returns from injury this season. If he gets injured again and misses significant time, Asa Newell is the only reliable option to step in without completely altering the starting lineup.
Onyeka Okongwu could come in and start at center, and Porzingis would slide into Johnson's role, but that would derail what the Hawks' offensive scheme would have looked like with a fast frontcourt that could space the court. Okongwu does not have the same range to shoot like Porzingis or Johnson does. Newell would have to step in, and quickly. If Johnson goes down, all eyes would be on him.
Newell definitely has what it takes to step in, but Atlanta needs an effective strategy on if Johnson were to go down again. The frontcourt is not a deep rotation this year. If Porzingis ends up getting hurt again as well, a serious problem could unravel in Atlanta.
With all the hype around all the issues the front office has fixed this offseason, do not forget about this one. Atlanta still has to have some risk management before the season tips off. Newell is capable, but the depth behind him could be a major concern.