Trae Young has gone from franchise face to an uncertain future with the Atlanta Hawks in just a matter of two seasons. Young could not reach an agreement with Atlanta on a long-term extension this past offseason, leading to rumors that he may not be a Hawk after this year.
This season was set up to be a crucial one in Atlanta, and one that would determine Young’s future. They have built a team around him that is predicated on athleticism, defense, and versatility.
We haven’t seen much of Young this year, as he has been out dealing with a knee injury he suffered in the fifth game of the season. Through those five games though, Young’s efficiency struggles continued. He has shot only 37 percent from the field, 19 percent from three-point range, and hadn’t shot better than 42 percent from the field in any of the four games he started and finished.
Trae Young has been out for the last couple weeks due to a knee sprain, but given how the Hawks have looked in his absence, his future in Atlanta is becoming clearer.
The Hawks have thrived in Trae Young’s absence
In the nine games that Young has missed, Atlanta has gone 7-2 in those games. They are fourth in defensive rating, 11th in offensive rating, and ninth in overall net rating in that span. Jalen Johnson has been sensational, averaging nearly 22 points per game, ten rebounds, and six assists.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has also stepped up offensively, averaging nearly 18 PPG. Dyson Daniels has filled in as the lead ball-handler, and playmaker, as he has six games with at least six assists in the nine games without Young.
Even Atlanta's frontcourt of Kristaps Porzingis, and Onyeka Okongwu have thrived, even without the pick-and-roll maestro that Young is. They have been imposing figures in the paint, and for Okongwu, his offensive game finally seems to be coming around. He is averaging a career-high in points (15.7), and three-point percentage (38.7.). He is at nearly 27 PPG in his last three games,
The Hawks have found success with this current roster
Atlanta has been able to re-form their identity with Johnson at the helm, and playing tough defense. Their offense is also less reliant on pick-and-roll, and more about getting teams into rotation.
Even with Young on the court this season, the results have not been pretty. Lineups with Young on the court have produced a -9.8 net rating, and a 125.7 defensive rating.
This was set up to be a prove-it year for Young, and while he has been injured, the fact that the Hawks are thriving without him has to ring alarm bells within the organization, and if this continues, Atlanta may cut ties with Young sooner rather than later.