trae Young’s Ankle Injury Poses Meaningful Challenge for Atlanta Hawks
A concerning injury to star point guard Trae Young has cast a shadow over the Atlanta Hawks’ season, potentially derailing their ambitions after a promising offseason. Young sustained an ankle injury during Monday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors and will be sidelined for at least a month, according to reports.
The incident occurred when Young landed awkwardly after being jostled by Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney, following a shove from Mouhamed Gueye. He instantly left the game and returned to Atlanta for an MRI and further evaluation with team doctors.
This setback arrives at a particularly sensitive time for the Hawks. they entered the 2023-24 season with elevated expectations, fueled by a series of impactful offseason acquisitions.
These additions included:
* Kristaps Porzingis, bringing size and scoring versatility.
* Nickeil Alexander-walker, offering perimeter shooting and defensive capabilities.
* Luke Kennard, known for his sharpshooting prowess.
Building chemistry amongst these new pieces was already a priority. Now, the team faces the daunting task of navigating a significant portion of the schedule without their floor general.
Jalen Johnson, averaging an extraordinary 20.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, emphasized Young’s irreplaceable role. He described Young as “the best in the world” at creating scoring opportunities and initiating the offense.
Replacing a player who averaged 24.2 points and 11.6 assists last season won’t be a one-person job. It will require a collective effort and a commitment to team basketball.
Johnson believes the Hawks are equipped to handle the challenge. He highlighted the team’s discipline, work ethic, and dedication to film study as key ingredients for success.
“It’s going to take time,” Johnson stated. “But we’re all disciplined. Everybody works hard. Everybody’s willing to listen. We take our film sessions very seriously. So I think if we just continue to grow after each game and go out there with a winning mindset, everything will take care of itself. Just not putting too much pressure on ourselves and feel like we have to overdo something.”
Young, the reigning assists champion, is currently averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 assists per game this season. His absence will undoubtedly test the Hawks’ depth and resilience.
For you, as a Hawks fan, this means bracing for a period of adjustment. it also means witnessing how the team responds to adversity and weather they can maintain their competitive edge while their star player recovers. The next month will be crucial in defining the trajectory of the Hawks’ season and revealing their true potential.










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