(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks have been gradually sagging downward ever since they reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
They lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs in both of the last two seasons, and right now, they seem destined to end up with the final play-in tournament spot in the East.
But Atlanta will be getting some help soon, as All-Star guard Trae Young has reportedly been cleared to return to practice and participate in contact activities, per Adrian Wojnarowski.
Hawks guard Trae Young has been cleared to resume contact and practice, team says. He underwent surgery for a torn ligament in his finger on February 27.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 8, 2024
Young is averaging 26.4 points and 10.8 assists a game this season, and while he shoots a low percentage from the field, he’s at 37.1 percent from 3-point range and can get hot at a moment’s notice.
He has had four 40-point games this season, and in December, he averaged 30.4 points a game while shooting a robust percentage from both the field and behind the arc.
While Young has been out, Dejounte Murray, Atlanta’s other starting guard, has raised his game, and Murray put up 26.7 points and 9.2 assists per contest.
Even if the Hawks somehow win both play-in tourney games and make the playoffs this month, their future is in flux for multiple reasons.
Young has been the subject of trade rumors, as plenty of people expect him to be dealt this summer, and he has already been linked to at least one team.
While Young and Murray are a potent backcourt, the Hawks need more talent in their frontcourt, particularly on defense, where they rank 27th in defensive rating, which may mean some significant moves this offseason.
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