Hawks Facing Challenge Without Star Point Guard
The Atlanta Hawks will be missing their star point guard for an extended time due to injury.
Trae Young has sustained a right MCL sprain and is set to be re-evaluated in about four weeks, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Saturday.
The injury occurred during the Hawks’ recent 117-112 victory over the Nets. Fortunately, it seems there isn’t any serious structural damage to his knee.
This 27-year-old athlete was hurt while he was standing under the basket during the first quarter, as a result of a play where Hawks forward Mohamed Guay was bumped by Nets forward Noah Clowney, causing Guay to fall onto Young’s feet.
In the five games he’s played this season, Young averages 17.8 points and 7.8 assists per game, but his shooting percentage stands at only 37.1. That’s not where he usually is, I think everyone expected a bit more.
Young ranked first in the league last season with an impressive average of 11.6 assists and is currently in his eighth season with the Hawks. Over his career in Atlanta, he’s developed into one of the best point guards, boasting career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists.
He’s been selected as an All-Star four times and earned All-NBA Third Team accolades in the 2021-22 season.
Young, reflecting on past seasons, mentioned how crucial this year is for him. After the Hawks missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, he told ESPN in October that he views this season as pivotal.
He has a $49 million player option for next season but aspires to demonstrate his value, aiming for a four-year extension worth $229 million. Yet, despite the looming contract uncertainty, Young maintains a positive outlook. He expressed to ESPN that he isn’t overly concerned about the situation.
“I think it’s going to be great. I’m not worried,” he said. “I can’t control everything; I just have to focus on the present. Winning can change everything.” These reflections make it clear that he’s really trying to take things in stride, you know? He also noted that if things don’t align as planned, perhaps it’s a sign that there’s another path laid out for him. “All I can do is take care of my people and be successful.”
