RealGM

If Johnson has a greatest strength, it’s that exact understanding of how maximizing the talent pulsing through his powerful legs will come incrementally and with consistency. His rare court vision unlocks all different positions and places from which Johnson operates during this breakout campaign. He leaps so gracefully, his jog almost a levitation off the floor, Johnson stands out even among the largest competitors on hardwood. His 15.7 points on 52.2% shooting, 8.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists have more than doubled his production from last season in double the minutes, making Johnson a clear-cut profile for the NBA’s Most Improved Player. And still, it seems none of that would have rounded into this dynamic form without the mind behind all his muscle. Why he’s as wise a bet to capitalize on potential as any player approaching his second contract this summer.

He’s building into something Atlanta believes, and believes quite strongly, will serve as strong a foundation for the Hawks as any player in their building. You see it after practice, at the far basket near the enclaved trainer’s room, with head coach Quin Snyder hovering over Johnson’s extra shots. Snyder, who shares Johnson’s Duke playing roots, is stretching the forward’s skills and then rolling him back again into packed puddy, ready to be shaped into something more.