Trae Young’s Potential Return
Trae Young, the star player for the Atlanta Hawks, is on the verge of making his return to the court. He has been listed as questionable for the Hawks’ upcoming matchup against the Charlotte Hornets this Thursday night. If Young participates, it will be his first appearance since suffering a right MCL sprain during a game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29.
Recovery Progress
Following two practices, including a stint with the Hawks’ G League affiliate earlier this week, Young appears to be recovering well.
“It’s my knee, something that required extra time to heal compared to other injuries… I’m feeling good,”
he expressed in an interview on Tuesday, as noted by ESPN. He emphasized that his fitness level is gradually improving with practice, and that he wouldn’t have been cleared for a return if he hadn’t met the necessary conditioning standards.
Team Performance and Young’s Impact
Since Young’s injury, the Hawks have managed a respectable record of 13 wins and 9 losses over the course of the 22 games he missed. Last season, he showcased remarkable talent, averaging 24.2 points along with a league-leading 11.6 assists per game, earning him a fourth consecutive All-Star selection. Currently, the 27-year-old is in the fourth year of a substantial five-year contract worth $215 million signed with the Hawks. While Young was eligible for a four-year contract extension, negotiations did not conclude before the commencement of training camp.
Looking Ahead
Heading into Wednesday’s game in North Carolina, the Hawks sit at a record of 15 wins to 12 losses. The team has experienced a playoff drought since their run in the 2023 season. Reflecting on his role with the team, Young stated,
“We’re aiming for victory. It’s thrilling to have teammates who understand what is required to achieve high-level wins, and I must contribute effectively as well. I need to play my part in securing our team’s success.”
