Hawks' Jalen Johnson Returns to Home State as an NBA All-Star

The 24-year-old Wisconsin native scored 20 points and had 9 assists in the Hawks' win over the Bucks.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Former Wisconsin high school standout Jalen Johnson returned to his home state as an NBA All-Star when the Atlanta Hawks played the Milwaukee Bucks on March 4. Johnson, who prepped at Sun Prairie and Nicolet high schools, continued his stellar play, scoring 20 points and handing out 9 assists in the Hawks' 131-113 victory.

Why it matters

Johnson's all-star selection and homecoming highlight his rapid rise to stardom in the NBA. After the Hawks traded four-time all-star Trae Young, they effectively handed the franchise over to the Wausau native, who has not disappointed, averaging over 22 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists per game.

The details

Johnson, who signed a five-year, $150 million extension with the Hawks in 2024, has been a driving force for the team this season despite the departures of Young and Kristaps Porziņģis. He scored 28 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and dished out 6 assists when the Hawks and Bucks met in January, one of many big performances that led to his first all-star selection in February.

  • Jalen Johnson returned to Wisconsin on March 4, 2026 when the Hawks played the Bucks.
  • Johnson earned his first NBA All-Star selection in February 2026.

The players

Jalen Johnson

A 24-year-old NBA player from Wisconsin who was selected to his first All-Star game this season after the Hawks traded away four-time All-Star Trae Young, effectively handing the franchise to Johnson.

Trae Young

A four-time NBA All-Star who was traded by the Hawks, paving the way for Jalen Johnson to become the face of the franchise.

Kristaps Porziņģis

A prized offseason acquisition by the Hawks who has since departed the team, leaving Jalen Johnson as the team's primary star.

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What they’re saying

“Not to sound arrogant or anything but this is like, what I expected of myself. The work that I put in, I didn't come into this league just to be average, a guy that said they made it. I wanted to make an impact. That's the mentality I carry into every offseason, while I'm playing and all that.”

— Jalen Johnson (jsonline.com)

“It's exciting because I wasn't put in that position for no reason. Obviously the organization believes in me and everybody else believes in me as well, and having that confidence and trust from everybody around you – I'm ready for it. It's something I've always prepared myself for.”

— Jalen Johnson (jsonline.com)

What’s next

The Hawks will continue their playoff push as Jalen Johnson looks to lead the team to the postseason.

The takeaway

Jalen Johnson's rise to NBA stardom and selection as an All-Star in his home state of Wisconsin is a testament to his hard work and the Hawks' faith in him as the new face of the franchise after the departures of Trae Young and Kristaps Porziņģis.