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The Hawks' in-house belief, frankly, is that Johnson has MVP potential. So they were very much covering their ears in December when Johnson's agent Rich Paul, on his Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman, came out and suggested that the Bucks target Milwaukee native Johnson as the headline return in a deal for The Greek Freak. "That was probably the first time in my career [hearing] the rumors and stuff like that,” Jalen Johnson told The Stein Line. "But I got reassurance from everyone around here that that's not the plan. Obviously it means a lot ... the trust they have in me and the belief they have in me." Atlanta likewise swatted away in-season trade interest from rival teams (Indiana perhaps loudest among them) in Okongwu. "I love being with the Hawks, man," Atlanta's starting center told me. "I appreciate all the guys trusting in me and wanting me here."
Lauren L. Williams: Per league source the Hawks are going to move CJ McCollum to the starting lineup. It means Zaccharie Risacher will come off the bench. Per Cleaning the Glass the Hawks have a +18.7 point differential with lineup of McCollum, Daniels, Alexander-Walker, Johnson and Okongwu.
Sources say Indiana called about 28-year-old Jarrett Allen, who is in the midst of a three-year, $90 million agreement in Cleveland. They also really valued Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu, sources say, with the 24-year-old enticing them both because of his ability as well as his annual $15.5 million salary via his four-year pact with the Hawks. Zubac, of course, is in Year 1 of a three-year deal that pays an average annual salary of $19.6 million.
Kevin Chouinard: For tomorrow’s game vs. Charlotte: Buddy Hield (trade pending) is questionable. Onyeka Okongwu (dental fracture) is questionable. Gabe Vincent (trade pending) is questionable. Jonathan Kuminga (left knee bone bruise/trade pending) is out.
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Brad Rowland: Hawks injury report for Saturday at Pacers: Jalen Johnson (left calf tightness) is questionable. Zaccharie Risacher (left knee, bone contusion) is questionable. Onyeka Okongwu (dental fracture) is out. Kristaps Porzingis (left Achilles tendinitis) is out.
Onyeka Okongwu suffered a dental fracture when he was elbowed in the mouth in Atlanta's last game, and will be out at least for the Hawks' matchup with the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. Okongwu was elbowed by Boston guard Jaylen Brown as Brown possessed the ball in the fourth quarter of the Hawks' win on Wednesday night.
After the game, Brown said the contact was unintentional. "Just a basketball play, it's unfortunate," Brown said. "Okongwu's a good player, and I know from my own experience with a fractured face and chipped teeth. ... It wasn't intentional, and I know it's going to be a long day at the dentist for him, so hopefully he has a good recovery."
Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 21 points, Jalen Johnson had 19 points and 14 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Boston Celtics 117-106 on Wednesday night to avenge a lopsided home loss. Onyeka Okongwu added 17 points, Dyson Daniels had 15 and Corey Kispert 13 to help the Hawks win their fourth straight.
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Despite interest from the Indiana Pacers and other teams who’ve checked in on Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks have been resistant to moving their 25-year-old center, league sources told HoopsHype. Meanwhile, Atlanta has been open to adding frontcourt depth if the right fit presents itself.
Brice Lewis: Hawks beat the Suns tonight 110-103 and sweep the season series. The Hawks won the 4th quarter 26-12 and were able to overcome 21 turnovers. Onyeka Okongwu led all scorers with 25 points and Jalen Johnson had a near triple double and almost a 20-20 game. Hawks getting some much needed wins right now.
Brad Rowland: Onyeka Okongwu just tied the Hawks franchise record for 3's in a season for a center. It's January 23rd.
Johnson, 24, respected Young’s tenure with the Hawks and said he learned about humility and impacting locals from him. “He’s been there for eight years,” Johnson said about Young. “And all the stuff he’s done for the city and just being a Hawk, there was just a lot of emotions at that time. And I think it was only me, and O [Onyeka Okongwu] that have been around since he’s been here. His speech was good, but like he said, ‘It’s a business at the end of the day.’ And as long as he’s happy, we’re happy.’ ”
