Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson will undergo shoulder surgery and sit out the rest of the season after sustaining a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The surgery, scheduled for next week at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex in Atlanta, will be performed by Dr. Kyle Hammond.
The injury occurred during a game against the Toronto Raptors on January 23, forcing Johnson to exit the court immediately. This setback comes at a challenging time for the Hawks, who are currently on a six-game losing streak, their longest of the season.
Johnson, a key player for the Hawks, has been averaging career-high numbers this season with 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists per game. His absence will put additional pressure on rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher, the team's top draft pick from last year.
Risacher, who is averaging 10.5 points per game, will need to step up in Johnson's absence as the Hawks strive to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The team currently sits in ninth place with a record of 22-25.
Despite the setback, Johnson is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the 2025-26 season. In the meantime, Risacher has been selected to participate in the Rising Stars event during the NBA All-Star lineup in San Francisco on February 14.
This injury marks a significant loss for the Hawks, who will need to regroup and adjust their strategy as they face upcoming challenges in the competitive Eastern Conference.
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