An emotional return to Atlanta for Treo Young

While waiting for a new chapter in the NBA to officially open in the Wizards jersey, Trae Young dived, for one evening, into the previous: eight seasons spent in Atlanta, until his departure a month ago. Leader attended the meeting between the Hawks and Washington last night, but was unable to participate.

Atlanta took the opportunity to show off its new ambitions, with the debut of Jonathan Kumingawhile the Wizards still have to wait: Neither Trae Young nor Anthony Davis have yet played with their new team.

Even in civilian clothes, the leader was entitled to a nice tribute from his former franchise just before half-time. And to see the look on his face when he discovered the video montage broadcast on the giant screen, the emotion was very real.

Kudos to the Hawks

Before the meeting, “Ice Trae” already spoke about his relationship with the Hawks, explaining that he lived his last weeks in Atlanta peacefully. To the point that this return feels like an almost natural moment.

“I’ve only been in the visitor’s locker room for concerts or something. It’s a weird feeling. This is something I’ll have to get used to when I get back here.”he confided. “During the rehabilitation, I obviously hoped to be able to play again. I would have liked to be on the field tonight, for my first game here, but it was not in God’s plans. I will come back to play here often in the future.”

Trae Young also highlighted the gratitude he still feels for the city, the fans and the franchise that made him an All-Star.

“It’s been crazy. Everything’s different. Honestly, I’ve just been trying to absorb everything since I’ve been back. It’s new experiences, things that I’m obviously not used to. It’s all really unique, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot the last few weeks.”he explained. “I just wanted the Hawks fans to know how much I love and appreciate them from day one, since my draft. Obviously, there was the transfer and all that, but for me, to come here and be able to make a name for myself, to have people talking about this city and this team, it wouldn’t have been possible without the fans. They’ve given us so much love all these years, so I’ve always felt a lot of love in these years. love for this city and for these fans.

Smooth transition in Washington

Still on the sidelines as he continues to rehabilitate his knee and quadriceps (and the Wizards have no athletic interest in starting him again this season), Trae Young is taking his time settling into his new surroundings. A gradual increase in strength that should ease its integration once it gets the medical green light.

“I’m approaching this situation with an open mind. I’m not trying to have too many expectations or think too much about it. It’s a new experience for me and everyone around me understands.”he added. “The best part about coming to this franchise is that they made me feel very comfortable during the transition. A lot of people know me from high school, with OKC and stuff like that. The fact that they made this transition possible made it a lot easier.”

Note that these two teams meet again tomorrow night, again in Atlanta, for the final matchup of the regular season. But Hawks fans will have to wait a little longer before they see “Ice Trae” in action again.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=m3_iROI7Ck8

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.