Atlanta Hawks rookie has high expectations heading into NBA 2K26 Summer League
Kobe Johnson spoke to the media on Tuesday, July 8, as the Atlanta Hawks prepared for the start of the summer league. When 92.9 The Game reporter Caleb Johnson asked Kobe Johnson what he wanted to show during the summer league, he responded with a bold and confident statement.
"I want to show that I'm the best defender in the country," Kobe Johnson said.
Those are strong words coming from a rookie about to make his first professional performance, but he has the pedigree to back it up from his college days.
Johnson made three straight All-Defensive Teams in college: two for the Pac-12 with USC and one for the Big Ten with UCLA, according to UCLA. His defense was stellar for the collegiate game, but being the best as a pro rookie, especially early on, will be a tough task for anyone.
Last year, the Atlanta Hawks ranked near the middle of the pack defensively with a 114.8 defensive rating, according to the NBA.
If Johnson's defensive prowess continues at the professional level, then the Hawks have an exciting future ahead with the brotherly duo of him and small forward Jalen Johnson.
He will have a chance to show what he can do, starting on Friday, July 11 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time on ESPN 2 against the Miami Heat.
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