NBA All-Star Voting Is Open - And the Hawks Have a Trio Worth Talking About
Voting for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game is officially open, and while the league’s biggest names are sure to dominate the early ballots, don’t overlook what’s brewing in Atlanta. The Hawks might be flying under the national radar, but they’ve got a trio of players making real noise - and each has a legitimate case to be in Los Angeles for All-Star Weekend.
Let’s break down why Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and even the sidelined Trae Young deserve to be part of the conversation.
Jalen Johnson: The Breakout Star Atlanta’s Been Waiting For
Let’s start with the obvious one. Jalen Johnson isn’t just playing well - he’s putting together a season that demands attention.
The 22-year-old forward has taken a massive leap, and if you’ve been watching the Hawks lately, you know exactly what kind of impact he’s having. Four straight triple-doubles?
That’s not just impressive - that’s elite territory.
Johnson is averaging 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, while shooting 51.6% from the field and 38.5% from three. Those are career-highs across the board, and they’re not empty stats. He’s doing it while carrying a significant load on both ends of the floor - initiating offense, crashing the glass, and defending multiple positions.
He’s not just putting up numbers - he’s changing games.
The only thing standing between Johnson and an All-Star starting spot might be name recognition. Historically, Hawks players haven’t always gotten the benefit of the doubt when it comes to fan or media voting.
But this year, Johnson’s production is too loud to ignore. If you’re looking for one of the most complete forwards in the East right now, he’s your guy.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: From Sixth Man to Star
Every season, there’s at least one player who forces his way into the All-Star conversation with a breakout year. This time around, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is making that kind of leap.
When he arrived in Atlanta, the plan was simple: be the spark plug off the bench for a team with playoff aspirations. But when Trae Young went down with a knee injury in late October, Alexander-Walker was thrust into a starting role - and he didn’t just hold down the fort, he elevated the team.
He’s emerged as a legitimate two-way threat, something the Hawks have sorely needed. His defensive instincts and effort have always been there, but now the offense has caught up - and then some. He’s averaging 20.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, while knocking down 39.1% of his threes on over seven attempts per night.
That’s not just a step forward - it’s a leap.
Alexander-Walker’s shot creation, confidence, and versatility have transformed him into one of the most impactful guards in the East this season. Even if he doesn’t crack the All-Star roster, he should absolutely be in the thick of the Most Improved Player race.
Still, with numbers like these and the role he’s taken on, it’s time to start talking about him as a real All-Star candidate.
Trae Young: A Waiting Game With Plenty of Time Left
Now, let’s talk about the wild card in this group.
Trae Young hasn’t played since October 29 due to a right MCL sprain, and with just five games under his belt this season, it’s tough to make a strong All-Star case right now. But here’s the thing - the All-Star Game isn’t until mid-February. That gives Young nearly three months to return, find his rhythm, and remind everyone why he’s a four-time All-Star.
In the limited action we’ve seen, Young was averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 assists per game, but his shooting numbers - 37.1% from the field and 19.2% from three - were well below his usual standards. Still, it’s hard to evaluate a player of his caliber off such a small sample size, especially when he was adjusting to a revamped lineup and new offensive dynamics.
Once he’s back in the mix, the spotlight will be on how quickly he can gel with this new-look Hawks team. If he finds his groove and Atlanta stays competitive in the East, don’t be surprised if Young starts climbing the All-Star ladder again.
He’s done it before. He knows what it takes.
Final Thoughts
All-Star voting is often a blend of performance, popularity, and narrative. The Hawks might not be the flashiest team in the league, but they’ve got three compelling stories worth celebrating.
- Jalen Johnson is delivering an All-Star-level season and deserves serious consideration as a starter.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker is writing one of the best breakout stories in the NBA this year.
- Trae Young, if healthy, still has time to remind voters why he’s been a perennial All-Star.
Atlanta may not always get the spotlight, but this year, the Hawks have earned it.