The expectations for the Atlanta Hawks this year are pretty high. After being considered the team that “won” the offseason, they were expected to take a leap and potentially become a contender in the weak Eastern Conference this season.
All of that is still completely possible, but the Hawks have not gotten off to the start they were hoping for. They are currently 2–3, having lost three games in a row since their 2–0 start. Obviously, the season is very long, and the Hawks are far from being in a place where anyone is worried.
That was before Trae Young went down with a knee injury against the Brooklyn Nets.
One of Young’s teammates fell awkwardly into his knee during the first quarter, and despite attempting to continue playing, Young had to leave the game and not return.
Coach Quinn Snyder gave a Trae Young injury update after the game.
“I think the most important thing is that it is not his ACL. He’s going to get an MRI tonight or tomorrow and make a determination from there. So, not sure how long or what respect, but something that he’s going to hopefully be back from whenever possible. He didn’t want to come out of the game. He’s such a competitor. He takes a lot of pride in being available.”
It sounds like Young’s injury isn’t as serious as some feared. These comments from Snyder seem fairly positive, and depending on the results of the MRI, Young could be back sooner than we think.
If not, the Hawks could be in real trouble. Much of the Hawks' offense and heart comes from having Young on the court. If he misses significant time, the Hawks are going to need to figure out how to cope.
