Hawks News: Atlanta Picks up Rookie Scale Team Options on Jalen Johnson and AJ Griffin

Johnson and Griffin had their options picked up today by the Hawks

It is not surprising news, but the Atlanta Hawks chose to pick up the rookie scale options on both Jalen Johnson and AJ Griffin. The Hawks had until the end of the month to decide to pick up the options. Johnson is getting ready for his third season in Atlanta, while Griffin is getting ready for his second season. 

The Hawks are expected to pick the rookie scale options on Jalen Johnson (4th year) and AJ Griffin (3rd year). The Hawks had until the end of the month to decide.

— Lauren L. Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) October 22, 2023

Both Johnson and Griffin are going to have prominent roles on this team this season as the Hawks try to make another playoff push. You could see in the preseason that both guys, Johnson especially, could make major leaps this season, which would make the Hawks a dangerous team. 

Hawks News: Takeaways From The Preseason

Johnson showed during the preseason that he can be one of the better perimeter defenders on the Hawks and he also flashed his playmaking capability. In the victory against the Pelicans, Johnson led the Hawks in assists with seven and displayed a great ability to run the floor in transition. I still think that he is likely to come off the bench to start the season with Saddiq Bey getting the start at the four, but Johnson is going to push for major minutes and be a sneaky most improved player of the year candidate in the NBA this season.

Griffin had big moments as a rookie, especially from three-point range, where he shot 39% last season. He still has a lot of his game to develop, but you can see where Griffin can make an impact this season. 

Atlanta wrapped up their preseason this past Friday in Philadelphia and they begin their regular season on Wednesday at Charlotte.

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Follow Jackson on Twitter: @jacksoncaudell

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