When scouting the 2021 NBA draft class, the Atlanta Hawks front office was looking for a compliment to franchise superstar Trae Young. They needed someone talented and explosive who could someday develop into an All-Star.
Given the Hawks’ late first-round pick, many hoped Atlanta would make the right decision. The chances of drafting a legitimate star were minimal, but the scouting department knew what they were doing. Eventually, the clock turned in favor of Atlanta, and they submitted their choice — one-and-done Duke forward, Jalen Johnson.
As a freshman for the Wildcats, Johnson averaged 11.