Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has been cleared to resume practicing in full, the team announced today in a press release, adding that Johnson’s status will be updated “as appropriate.”
Johnson was in the midst of a breakout season before suffering a left distal radius fracture on November 25. In his 14 healthy games this year, the 22-year-old averaged 14.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 31.4 minutes per night, with a .590/.421/.774 shooting line.
The Hawks have gone 3-8 without Johnson and have a +4.6 net rating when he’s on the court this season, which is the highest mark for any player on the roster. The fact that he seems to be nearing a return is great news for the slumping club.
Here are a few more injury updates announced today by the Hawks:
- Hawks rookie guard Kobe Bufkin, who fractured his left thumb on November 2, has also been cleared to practice in full. His recovery timeline was said to be eight-to-10 weeks from the date of his injury, which occurred approximately seven weeks ago, so it sounds like his return isn’t far off.
- Another rookie, forward Mouhamed Gueye, underwent a CT scan on his right low back stress fracture on Monday and has been given the go-ahead to begin light on-court individual work. Gueye isn’t close to returning, however, with Atlanta announcing he’ll be reevaluated four weeks from now.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic, who has missed the past two games due to right ankle inflammation, received treatment on Tuesday and is questionable to play in Wednesday’s game vs. Houston.
- Reserve forward AJ Griffin remains unavailable for personal reasons and will miss a fifth consecutive game on Wednesday. The 2022 first-rounder hasn’t been a part of the Hawks’ regular rotation this season, averaging just 9.2 minutes per game in 12 appearances.
Trae Young to Chicago
DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso & Chi’s top3 protected 1st to Atlanta…
Hawks get much better defensively & still have numerous late game options. Incorporating Derozan into the offense this late is tough but DeMar/Dejounte/Quin could give it a good shot I’m sure… Chicago gets a young star at the most important position in the game. Coby White been playing great but with Trae you finally have real stability at the lead guard spot
Chi’s 2027 top3 protected 1st*
As a bulls fan, no way. Coby is blossoming at pg rn and AC could net us a couple picks if we decide to trade him. Also don’t know why we’d give up a pick for one of the worst defenders in the league.
It’s frustrating as the team should be better than this. I’ve never been on the “trade Trae” bandwagon, but overall the mediocrity feels like Groundhog day. I suppose it’s good to make the playoffs the last few years, but their record last year got them the Celtics in the first round.
Craig choosing Chi town was mind boggling. Another vet who doesn’t want a chip…