As Trae Young realized his final days with the Atlanta Hawks were approaching, the star guard hadn’t been on the court.
Young remained on the Hawks’ injury report leading up to their Wednesday night win over the New Orleans Pelicans. As the game progressed, Young found out he was on the move officially.
Many saw Young’s recent string of absences as a way to stay healthy amid trade talks. However, it’s been made clear that Young is unlikely to get right back out on the court upon arriving in Washington, DC.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, there are some hurdles to clear.
The Latest on Trae Young’s Injury Situation
via @MikeAScotto: “Trae Young will be evaluated after joining the Wizards. Washington will cautiously proceed with Young after his previous MCL & current quad injuries. Washington has the fourth-worst record, which would guarantee retaining their top-eight protected pick if they hold this standing.”
This year, Young has appeared in just 10 games for the Hawks. Seeing the court for an average of 28 minutes, the star guard has produced 19.3 points per game, while shooting 41 percent from the field.
He has maintained his impressive playmaking as well, dishing out 8.9 assists per game.
After seeing the Hawks with and without Trae Young this season, Atlanta decided now might be the time to turn the page. Recently, Young grew open to the idea of getting a fresh start amid his eighth NBA season.
Young will embrace a young Washington Wizards team, where he’ll instantly become their starting point guard, but it seems he’s going to remain in a recovery phase for the time being.
The star guard missed his first game on October 31. That was a stretch of absences that spanned 22 games. He played in five out of six games after returning, but missed the Hawks’ last six games, including Wednesday’s action.