Trae Young, the star point guard of the Atlanta Hawks, is poised to return to the court on Thursday night against the Charlotte Hornets. This comeback follows an absence due to a sprained right MCL suffered on October 29, 2023, during a game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Young has missed a total of 22 games, during which time the Hawks managed a record of 13 wins and 9 losses. Despite the team’s efforts, Young’s return is highly anticipated as he brings a significant impact to the lineup. He has been a crucial player this season, averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 assists per game, and is the reigning NBA assists champion.
Young’s Recovery and Practice Updates
After participating fully in practice on Wednesday, Young was upgraded to probable for Thursday’s game. This was his second practice session, having scrimmaged with the Skyhawks, Atlanta’s G League affiliate, on Tuesday. Young expressed optimism about his recovery, stating, “It’s my knee, something that had to take a little more time than some other injuries.” He added, “I feel good. [My conditioning is] going to get better as you play. They wouldn’t even allow me to come back or even be close to coming back if my conditioning wasn’t right or close to it.”
The Hawks currently hold a record of 15-12 overall, navigating through a challenging month marked by various injuries. Young’s return comes at a critical juncture for the team, as they look to capitalize on his skills to bolster their performance.
Insights from Young During His Absence
While sidelined, Young observed the team’s dynamics, noting both their successes and struggles. He remarked, “I see certain things that our team is doing really good that I want to keep allowing our team to do. But then there are times when we are struggling or times when it looks kind of tough on guys, and I want to make it easier for them.”
Emphasizing his role within the team, Young stated, “For me since Day 1, I’ve always felt I was a puzzle piece to the big puzzle. I never felt like I was the whole puzzle. I’m about to come back and do the same thing, just be another piece to the puzzle and try to fit in.”
As the Hawks prepare for their matchup against the Hornets, Young’s return is expected to reignite their offensive strategy and provide a much-needed boost to the team. With the NBA season still in its early stages, his presence could be pivotal in the Hawks’ pursuit of a successful campaign.
