The Atlanta Hawks have signed undrafted free agent guard Kobe Johnson, the younger brother of Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, following the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Johnson, who played his final collegiate season at UCLA, earned a spot with Atlanta despite going undrafted last week. The Bruins’ official social media account confirmed the signing Tuesday.
The 6-foot-6 guard began his college career at USC before transferring across town for his senior year with UCLA. He played in 125 total NCAA games, starting 91, and averaged 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game across four seasons.
During the 2024–25 campaign, Johnson started all 34 games for the Bruins. He posted 7.9 points, 5.9 boards, and 2.9 assists per contest while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from three-point range.
Known for his defensive instincts and versatility, Johnson was often tasked with guarding opposing perimeter threats in both the Pac-12 and Big Ten conferences. His length and anticipation helped him average 1.6 steals per game last season.
His signing reunites him with his older brother Jalen Johnson, who emerged as a key contributor for Atlanta last season. Jalen averaged 18.9 points and 10 rebounds per game in his fourth year with the franchise.
The Hawks are coming off a 40–42 finish and were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament after losses to Orlando and Miami. With the offseason underway, Atlanta is looking to improve its depth and backcourt defense.
Kobe Johnson’s addition does not guarantee a regular-season roster spot, but it offers him a chance to compete in Summer League and training camp for a role.
