Jalen Tyrese Johnson, born on December 18, 2001, is a skilled American professional basketball player associated with the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He gained prominence during his college basketball tenure with the Duke Blue Devils, and before that, he had an impressive high school career.
Quick Facts
Full Name |
Jalen Tyrese Johnson |
Known As |
Jalen Johnson |
Date of Birth |
December 18, 2001 |
Age |
22 Years Old |
Birth Place |
Wausau, Wisconsin |
Nationality |
American |
Father’s Name |
Roderick Johnson Jr. |
Mother’s Name |
Stacy Johnson |
Siblings |
Three |
Zodiac Sign |
Sagittarius |
Height |
6 feet 9 inches/ 206 cm/ 2.06 m |
Weight |
220 lbs/ 99 kg |
Education |
|
NBA Draft |
2021/ Round:1/ Pick: 20th Overall |
Playing Career |
2021-Present |
Current Team |
|
Position |
Small Forward/ Power Forward |
Jersey Number |
1 |
Base Salary for 2022-23 |
$2.79 Million |
Net Worth |
$2 Million -$3 Million |
Social Media |
Instagram, Twitter |
Merch |
Signed Basketball |
Jalen Johnson Early Life and Family Background
Born on December 18, 2001, Jalen Johnson is the son of Stacy Johnson and Roderick Johnson Jr. His father, Roderick, had a noteworthy college basketball career, playing for Milwaukee and Southeast Missouri State before a two-year professional stint in Poland. Presently, Roderick serves as an officer with the Madison Police Department in Wisconsin since 2008. Jalen’s mother, Stacy, also contributed to the family’s basketball legacy by playing college basketball at Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Jalen has three brothers: Rod Johnson, Kobe Johnson, and Rodez Watson. Rod attended Sun Prairie High School and played college basketball at Northern Michigan, UT Chattanooga, and Western Illinois. Born on January 15, 2003, Kobe pursued his high school education at Nicolet HS before playing collegiate basketball at the University of South Carolina.
High School Career
Jalen Johnson commenced his high school basketball journey at Sun Prairie High School in Wisconsin under coach Jeff Boos. During his first year, he showcased his versatility, averaging 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks. In his sophomore year, his stats improved to 18.4 pts, 9.6 rebs, 4.0 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.5 blocks, leading his team to a 25–2 record and their first state tournament Division 1 semifinal appearance.
After transferring to Nicolet High School, Johnson played a pivotal role in securing the Division 2 State Championship, earning him the Associated Press Player of the Year for Wisconsin. He transferred to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior year, briefly leaving before returning to Nicolet. He scored 24.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in nine games, earning a spot in the canceled Jordan Brand Classic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recruiting
Jalen Johnson’s exceptional high school performance earned him a five-star recruit status, being rated the No.13 overall recruit in the 2020 class. He committed to playing college basketball at Duke University, choosing the Blue Devils over Arizona, Kentucky, and Wisconsin offers.
College Career
Joining Duke for the 2020–21 season, Johnson made an immediate impact, contributing significantly in his first game with 19 points and 19 rebounds against Coppin State. He earned ACC Freshman of the Week honors in November 2020 and had notable performances, including an 18-point, 6-rebound game against Georgia Tech on January 26, 2021.
However, on February 15, 2021, Johnson surprised many by announcing his decision to forgo the remainder of the college season to prepare for the 2021 NBA draft. Despite his early departure, he averaged 11.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 13 games for the Blue Devils.
Duke concluded the season with a 13-11 record, finishing 10th in the ACC with a 9–9 record.
Professional Career
Atlanta Hawks (2021–present)
Jalen Johnson’s entry into the NBA came when the Atlanta Hawks selected him with the 20th pick in the 2021 NBA draft. He officially signed with the Hawks on August 4, 2021. After the G League season, Johnson spent time with the Hawks’ NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, and underwent a non-surgical left knee procedure.
Age and Physical Measurements
At 22, Jalen Johnson boasts a towering stature, standing at 2.06 meters (6 feet 9 inches) and carrying a weight of 220 pounds (99 kg). His physical attributes include a remarkable wingspan of 2.13 meters (7 feet) and an expansive standing reach of 2.69 meters (8 feet 10 inches). Not only does his on-court performance capture attention, but his impressive physical measurements contribute to his overall presence as a formidable athlete.
Net Worth and Contracts
As of 2023, Jalen Johnson’s estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $3 million, primarily earned through his burgeoning basketball career. Alongside his on-court earnings, Johnson secures additional income from a multi-year endorsement deal with Nike, though details remain undisclosed.
Following his selection in the 2021 NBA draft, Johnson signed a lucrative four-year rookie scale contract worth $12.89 million on August 4, 2021. This contract provides an annual average salary of $3.22 million, with club options exercised by the Hawks for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, boosting his earnings further.
Social Media Presence and Personal Life
Beyond his prowess on the basketball court, Jalen Johnson maintains an active and engaging presence on various social media platforms. With 130k followers on Instagram and 23.1k followers on Twitter, Johnson connects with fans through these platforms, providing glimpses into his life both on and off the court.
Despite his openness on social media regarding his professional life, Jalen Johnson remains notably private about his personal life, especially regarding relationships. Fans and followers often speculate about his dating status, but Johnson has managed to keep this aspect of his life under wraps.
While he occasionally shares insights into his training regimen, travel experiences, and on-court achievements, Johnson’s social media presence primarily revolves around his basketball career. This strategic use of social media allows him to connect with fans, build his brand, and control the narrative of his public image.
In interviews and public appearances, Jalen Johnson has focused on his dedication to the game and his commitment to continuous improvement. His reserved approach to sharing personal details aligns with his desire to let his skills on the court speak for themselves, preserving a sense of mystery about his life outside of basketball.