Atlanta Hawks Kick Off 2024-2025 Season Amid Key Player Injuries and Major Contract Extension

The Atlanta Hawks are set to begin their 2024-2025 NBA season tonight with a highly anticipated matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, but the team will have to navigate the game without several key players due to injuries. According to the latest injury report, Dominick Barlow (low back contusion), Kobe Bufkin (right shoulder injury), Seth Lundy (left ankle sprain), and Cody Zeller (not with the team) are all listed as out for the season opener.

Kobe Bufkin’s absence is particularly notable, given his role as the main backup point guard during the preseason. Bufkin had a solid preseason, averaging 15 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, and his injury raises questions about how head coach Quin Snyder will manage the minutes when Trae Young is off the floor. Potential candidates to handle the offense in Bufkin’s absence include Bogdan Bogdanovic, Vit Krejci, Dyson Daniels, and Keaton Wallace.

In more positive news, the Hawks have secured a significant piece of their future with the signing of a five-year, $150 million contract extension with forward Jalen Johnson. Johnson, who emerged as a cornerstone of the franchise last season, expressed his commitment to the team, stating, “Atlanta is where I want to be, there’s no doubt about that. I feel like we are building something really special here and I want to be a part of it.”.

Johnson’s impressive performance last season included career highs in points (16.0), rebounds (8.7), assists (3.6), steals (1.2), and blocks (0.8) per game. He is one of only four players in the NBA last season to average at least 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steal on .500/.300/.700 shooting splits, joining elite company with players like Nikola Jokic, Bam Adebayo, and Joel Embiid.

The contract extension is seen as a significant investment in Johnson’s future, given his rapid improvement and potential for further growth. As the Hawks look to build a strong foundation for the upcoming season, Johnson’s commitment and the team’s strategic roster management will be crucial factors in their success.