Hawks’ Jalen Johnson Cleared for Full Workload; Knicks Test Veterans Overseas; Tyus Jones Aims to Stabilize Magic Backcourt
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Hawks
Atlanta forward Jalen Johnson is ready for unrestricted action after missing the final three months of last season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Nine months after the January injury, Johnson told reporters, “I’m just excited for a basketball game … to be full go and fully healthy going into the season.”
The 22-year-old averaged 14.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 46 games before the setback and was drawing All-Star consideration, according to The Associated Press. Head coach Quin Snyder said Johnson’s playmaking will be emphasized even more this year. “Jalen is such a good passer and willing passer that he’s ready to play-make even more,” Snyder noted, adding that the forward will also be encouraged to “catch and shoot” in spacing situations.
Johnson rejoins a roster that added Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard during his absence.
Knicks
In Abu Dhabi, head coach Mike Brown continued to shuffle veterans on non-guaranteed contracts, giving Malcolm Brogdon first-half minutes Saturday as New York evaluates its final roster spots. Brogdon logged five points, four rebounds and two steals in 13 minutes, while fellow hopefuls Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews combined for six points.
“I may throw a guy in for three minutes,” Brown said of his preseason rotations. “Part of that is I may use him that way in the regular season, so how does he respond? I’m experimenting right now.”
Browns up-tempo approach also surfaced overseas. Guard Jalen Brunson explained the focus on sprinting to the corners after defensive rebounds to create early offense, adding, “Pace doesn’t necessarily mean fast … It’s about playing smart, seeing what the defense does and just reading that.”
Magic
Point guard Tyus Jones, a six-time NBA leader in assist-to-turnover ratio, believes his skill set aligns perfectly with Orlando’s needs. “This has been a place where I’ve kind of had my eye on … and thought the fit was there the last few years,” Jones said. “It eventually played itself out and the time is right now.”
Jones signed with the Magic this summer to help a club that has struggled with ball security in recent seasons. “I plan on making those fans happy and look forward to playing in front of them,” he added.
Source: Hoops Wire
