NBA News: Hawks' Jalen Johnson Reportedly Out for Season with Shoulder Injury

Amid a difficult 2024-25 season, the Atlanta Hawks reportedly suffered a major blow to their lineup on Wednesday.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Hawks rising star forward Jalen Johnson will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

ESPN's Shams Charania added that Johnson will be undergoing season-ending surgery.

In his fourth NBA season after being drafted 20th overall in 2021, Johnson was in the midst of a breakout year for the Hawks. He was averaging career highs across the board with 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. If he had stayed healthy, he likely would've been in the running to earn his first career All-Star selection.

Johnson had missed time earlier this month with inflammation in his shoulder before returning on Jan. 18. He played in four games before being sidelined again after suffering another shoulder injury on Jan. 23 against the Toronto Raptors.

The Hawks have lost six straight games and rank ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 22-25 record. Star point guard Trae Young has done his best to keep Atlanta afloat and leads the team with 22.7 points and 11.4 assists per game, but he will be counted on even more going forward without Johnson.

2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher is likely to see more action in Johnson's absence, but he's still adjusting to life in the NBA with an average of just 10.5 points. Swingman De'Andre Hunter, who ranks second on the team with 19.1 points per game, will likely now be the team's No. 2 option behind Young.

The Hawks will try to end their skid when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers (37-9) on Thursday.