The Top 50

#26 - Joe Johnson
When Johnson bolted from his role as a long-bombing swingman in Phoenix a few seasons back, there were many questions left unanswered. Why would the Hawks throw so much money at him? Was he ready to lead a young team into the postseason? Would he be able to open his game up without Nash and Killer Mike conducting? It was a recipe for disaster, especially in Atlanta, where playoff tickets hadn’t been on sale since the late cretaceous.

JJ answered any questions (and doubters) swiftly, notching up his numbers across the board, leading a young Hawks team in its tepid race to the playoffs. He scored, distributed, defended, did everything the franchise expected of him and more, becoming a staple at the All-Star game and leaving countless dignities shattered. When the rest of the young’ns finally caught up with him, it was enough to bring the NBA Playoffs back to Phillips arena, even come within a hair of a first round upset against the eventual champs.

As promising as the futures of all Atlanta’s young starters might be, this is no doubt Johnson’s team. As the primary scorer and de facto playmaker, he holds most of the cards. He’s the engine fuelling the Hawks’ ascent back to contention. The only question left to be answered is how high they’ll rise.