Treo Young’s ‘Optimism’ Returns About Injury
The Atlanta Hawks they finally have a great turnaround in their season, and much of it is focused on Trae Young’s return from injury. His sprained MCL on Oct. 29 created a long period of uncertaintyand the injury comeback timeline has grown into one of the league’s most watched stories. Young’s injury forced the Hawks to adjust on the flybut the team’s response only strengthened the belief in what was to come. As confidence builds around the Hawks’ return with Young, optimism grows that he could play again this month.
The The Hawks rose to the challenge. They went 12–8 without their star, relying on ball movement, tighter defense and surprising composure. The team lacked Young’s range, his pace control and ability to turn possession into something explosive. Even in limited action this season, he’s averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 assists, shaping possessions with rhythm and urgency. His return represents more than a medical checkpoint. It signals a change in everything the Hawks can be.
A rising hawk core awaits its catalyst
The Hawks also see a deeper opportunity. Jaylen Johnson has blossomed into a steady force. Deason Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker stabilize the perimeter. Zaccharie Risacher’s two-way flashes hint at a real advantage. Onieka Okongwu remains a reliable interior anchor. Together, they’ve laid a foundation that feels more solid than any of Young’s previous supporting cast.
That’s it why his return is important on many levels. He gives the hawks an engine again. It gives this emerging group a chance to test its ceiling with a star in full command. And it gives the franchise a moment to reset the narrative after months of trade speculation swirling around its future.
If Trae Young returns to the court this month after returning from injury, how high can this Hawks team climb with their leader back in contention?
2025-12-09 16:39:00
