Jalen Johnson
Born 2001 · Age 24
American professional basketball player. Consensus five-star recruit, played one season at Duke (2020–21) and was selected 20th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Plays small forward/power forward.
Compare Your Trajectory
See how your career milestones stack up against Jalen Johnson and other industry leaders.
Life & Career Timeline
Born in Wisconsin
Jalen Tyrese Johnson born in Wausau, Wisconsin (sources differ; ESPN lists Milwaukee). Son of Stacy and Roderick Johnson.
Freshman season at Sun Prairie HS (2016–17)
Averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks; team finished 20–4 and lost in Regional Finals.
Transferred to Nicolet High School
After his sophomore season at Sun Prairie, Johnson transferred to Nicolet HS in Glendale, Wisconsin.
Sophomore season at Sun Prairie HS (2017–18)
Averaged 18.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks; team went 25–2 and reached school's first Division 1 state semifinal.
Named Associated Press Wisconsin Player of the Year
Earned AP Player of the Year honors for the state of Wisconsin following the season at Nicolet.
Led Nicolet to Division 2 State Championship
Helped Nicolet High School capture the Wisconsin Division 2 state title.
Committed to Duke University
Announced commitment to Duke over Arizona, Kentucky and Wisconsin; consensus five-star recruit and Top-15 player in the 2020 class.
Transferred to IMG Academy for senior year
Moved to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida for his senior year (reported Aug 5, 2019).
Rated consensus five-star recruit (class of 2020)
Listed as a five-star recruit and among the top small forwards in the 2020 class (ESPN No.13 overall; Rivals/247/others also top-15).
Senior stat line at Nicolet (2020)
In 9 games as a senior he averaged 24.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Left IMG Academy and returned to Nicolet
Left IMG mid-senior-year (Jan 5, 2020) and returned to Nicolet High School; reported that the return was for school not necessarily basketball.
Ruled eligible for Nicolet varsity
Ruling (Feb 8, 2020) allowed Johnson to play the remainder of the senior season for Nicolet after never appearing in a game for IMG.
Selected to Jordan Brand Classic (game cancelled)
Selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic (announcement March 2020).
Duke debut — 19 points, 19 rebounds vs Coppin State
In his first game for Duke (Nov 28, 2020), Johnson posted 19 points and 19 rebounds.
Named ACC Freshman of the Week
Earned ACC Freshman of the Week honors (Nov 30, 2020) after strong early-season play for Duke.
Assigned to College Park Skyhawks (G League)
Assigned to the Hawks' G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, for the G League season opener (2021–22 season).
Finished Duke season averages
In 13 games for Duke (2020–21) he averaged 11.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.
Key 18-point game vs Georgia Tech
Scored 18 points and added 6 rebounds in Duke's 75–68 win over Georgia Tech (Jan 26, 2021).
Forgo remainder of Duke season; declare for 2021 NBA Draft
Announced on Feb 15, 2021 that he would forgo the remainder of Duke's season to prepare for the 2021 NBA Draft, citing family/best-interest reasons.
Selected 20th overall in 2021 NBA Draft
Taken in the 1st round, 20th pick overall, by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 NBA Draft (July 29, 2021).
Signed rookie contract with Atlanta Hawks
Signed with the Atlanta Hawks (rookie contract reported Aug 4, 2021).
Rookie season NBA stats (2021–22)
Limited minutes in rookie season: appeared in 22 games (2021–22), averaged 2.4 points in 5.5 minutes per game.
Underwent non‑surgical left knee procedure
After the 2021–22 season ended, Johnson underwent a non-surgical procedure on his left knee (reported June 14, 2022).
Second NBA season (2022–23) — increased role
Played 70 games (6 starts) and averaged 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game as his role with the Hawks expanded.
Breakout season (2023–24) — starter
Became a regular starter in 2023–24: 56 games, 52 starts, averaged 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
Agreed to 5‑year, $150M extension with Hawks
Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks agreed to a five–year contract extension worth $150,000,000 (reported Oct 21–22, 2024).
2024–25 season performance through injury
Started 36 games in 2024–25, averaging 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game prior to injury.
Reported career earnings & 2025 salary stat
Basketball-Reference reports Johnson has made at least $12,888,465 in his NBA career and that he made $4,510,905 in 2025.
Career statistical milestones & highs (aggregated)
Career highs listed on public stat pages: single-game highs include 30 points, 17 rebounds, 11 assists, 6 steals and 4 blocks; 2 career triple-doubles noted in career-high listings.
Family basketball background noted
Personal: son of Stacy and Roderick Johnson. Father played at UW–Milwaukee and Southeast Missouri State and professionally in Poland; mother played at UW–Milwaukee. Brothers played college basketball (Rod at Chattanooga; Kobe at USC and UCLA).
Torn labrum in left shoulder; out for season
Diagnosed with a torn labrum in his left shoulder and ruled out for the remainder of the 2024–25 season (Jan 29, 2025).
Key Achievement Ages
Explore what Jalen Johnson and others achieved at these notable ages:
Similar Trajectories
Andrea Antonelli
Born 2006 · Age 19
Italian racing driver from Bologna; Mercedes works Formula One driver (joined F1 in 2025). Multiple karting and junior formula champion; Mercedes Junior Team member since 2019.
Dylan Harper
Born 2006 · Age 19
American professional basketball player. Played at Don Bosco Prep and Rutgers; consensus five-star recruit from the class of 2024; drafted 2nd overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2025.
Macklin Celebrini
Born 2006 · Age 19
Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the San Jose Sharks. Starred at Shattuck-Saint Mary's, led the USHL, won numerous junior and college awards, won the Hobey Baker as a 17-year-old freshman at Boston University, was selected 1st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, and debuted with the Sharks in 2024.
Cooper Flagg
Born 2006 · Age 19
American basketball player from Newport, Maine. Starred at Nokomis and Montverde Academy, reclassified to 2024 class, played one season at Duke (2024–25) earning consensus national player of the year honors, and was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Linda Caicedo
Born 2005 · Age 20
Colombian professional footballer (forward) for Real Madrid and the Colombia national team; cancer survivor; multiple individual awards and international standout.
Connor Bedard
Born 2005 · Age 20
Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Chicago Blackhawks. Considered one of the greatest prospects of his generation; 1st overall pick in 2023 NHL Entry Draft and 2024 Calder Trophy winner.