Chris Johnson, the expert skills trainer who works out LeBron James, says that Atlanta Hawks third-year forward Jalen Johnson “is the next superstar in the making” (per Yahoo Sports insider Jake Fischer).
College Park Skyhawks head coach Steve Gansey has called Johnson “mini-LeBron.” Johnson relays that during a workout, James “told me there should be no reason I shouldn’t be on All-Defensive teams.” Then, as if reading James’ mind, an anonymous NBA executive says that Johnson is “so good. He’s so athletic. He can guard every position.”
Is it possible that the Hawks have their next superstar on their hands?
‘Mini-LeBron’ Jalen Johnson Reveals Mindset Amid Stellar Season
To be fair, the skills that Johnson has shown during his breakout have been seen throughout his basketball journey.
However, his production at the NBA level is new. Johnson is a full-time starter for the first time, starting 46 games this season after starting six games last season. He’s playing a career-high 34.0 minutes per game, 19.1 minutes more than he was playing last season (14.9 minutes per game).
The third-year forward is also averaging 15.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 stocks per game this season. His scoring and assist averages are nearly triple what they were last season (5.6 points and 1.2 assists per game). His rebounding and stock averages are nearly double what they were last season (4.0 rebounds and 1.0 stock per game). He’s even shooting a career-high 35.3 percent on 3s.
Nonetheless, Johnson has always been a well-rounded contributor. Even when he left Milwaukee’s Nicolet High School as a five-star recruit, his vaunted skillset was prized primarily because he was the ever-elusive complete player.
The Mind is a Powerful Machine
A dynamic athlete at 6-foot-9 and 220 pounds, his physical profile is a factor in his ability to be a do-it-all player. However, having the ideal size isn’t as necessary as developing the skill. Having the prerequisite talent isn’t as important as having the right mindset.
In his interview, Johnson describes his mentality on and off the court. Yet, those two environments are always intricately connected. As a result, he creates a self-portrait that would make Basquiat proud.
“I don’t want to have there be a lapse of why I can’t finish out a game. I want to be at least solid in every department, whatever that may be. And then eventually just keep building on that, just keep adding bits and pieces.”
“I watch a lot of guys who do everything,” Johnson says of his desire to affect the game in every conceivable way. “That’s my mindset.”
One of those players is undoubtedly James, who has made a lot of history —and a lot of money —by being not just a volume scorer but a versatile contributor. Interestingly, while both he and James are multifaceted forwards, their best skill is arguably their passing ability. However, Johnson also inspires thoughts of 2-time MVP, Nikola Jokic. Not due to size or skillset but the depths of their passion for playmaking.
“For some reason,” Johnson says, “I got this, like, adrenaline rush from hitting somebody for an open layup, a long fastbreak pass. Those are the type of plays that kinda fulfill me.”
“I think that’s where my passing came from,” Johnson continues. “Just being able to hit somebody for a dunk or something, knowing that play started with you.”
With a father who made a conscious decision to have his son play like showstopper Magic Johnson, the 22-year-old has become a natural facilitator. One of the league’s true point-forwards, he makes his teammates’ lives easier due to his playmaking instincts. Now showing the signs of being a two-way playmaker and connector, his career can go one of many ways.
Perhaps it goes the way of James, as he leads his teams to NBA championships as a perennial All-Star. Perhaps it goes the way of Draymond Green. In this scenario, Johnson would have fewer individual accolades but more team success.
Even still, it could go the way of former Hawks forward Josh Smith. With a skillset not too dissimilar from Johnson’s, Smith didn’t have a decorated career or win championships. However, he was one of the most respected and popular players of his day.
A player with a “natural feel that you can’t teach,” Johnson’s story has yet to be written. However, judging by other titles in his genre, fans have a lot to look forward to.
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