Trae Young is on the verge of making his return to the court. He has been listed as questionable for Thursday night’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets. If he plays, it will mark his first appearance since October 29, when he suffered a sprained right anterior cruciate ligament. Young fully participated in Wednesday’s practice, marking his second session with the Hawks after scrimmaging with their G League team earlier this week.
Speaking with ESPN on Tuesday, Young said, “It was my knee. It took a bit longer than other injuries, but…I feel good. My conditioning will improve as I get back into playing. If my conditioning wasn’t close to right, they wouldn’t have allowed me to come back or even get close.”
Young injured his right knee’s MCL during a game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29 and hasn’t played since, missing 17 games. Despite his absence, the Hawks have gone 13-9 in those games. Last season, Young averaged 24.2 points and a career-best 11.6 assists per game, leading the league in assists and earning his fourth All-Star nod. At 27, he’s heading into the fourth year of a five-year, $215 million contract with the Hawks. Although eligible for a four-year extension, that deal wasn’t finalized before training camp.
The Hawks come into Wednesday’s game against North Carolina with a 15-12 record and haven’t made the playoffs since 2023. Young shared, “We’re aiming to win. It’s thrilling to have teammates who understand what it takes to win at a high level, and I need to play my part to help the team succeed.”
Fan Take: Trae Young’s return is crucial for Hawks fans and the NBA, as his dynamic playmaking can rejuvenate Atlanta’s bid for a playoff spot. This comeback also highlights the resilience and determination elite athletes need to overcome serious injuries and continue competing at the highest level.
