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Atlanta Hawks send strong message on former first-round pick

This is a critical season for Atlanta Hawks prospect Jalen Johnson.

“A big year is coming for Jalen Johnson,” an anonymous team source said, per Keith Smith of Spotrac on July 14. “The opportunity is there. He just needs to take it.”

Johnson, 21, was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. A projected lottery pick ahead of that season, an injury cut his collegiate career short and led to a slide during the draft landing him in the Hawks’ laps.

He averaged 5.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.