Hawks star guard Trae Young has been cleared for team practice and contact, according to a team press release.
Young underwent hand surgery on Feb. 25 after sustaining a torn ligament in his left fifth finger on Feb. 23 during a home game against Toronto. He had his six-week follow-up evaluation on Monday.
The Hawks are locked into the Eastern Conference’s 9-10 play-in tournament game against the Bulls, though home court for that April 17 game has yet to be determined. Young’s potential return could have a significant impact in that tournament. The Hawks have done well enough without Young, going 12-10 since he was sidelined.
Young stated in a podcast last week that he was optimistic he could return soon. “Hopefully next week I can make a fist and I can get out of this cast. And then I can play,” he said at that time. “So hopefully next week.”
An All-Star this season for the third time in his career, Young is averaging 26.4 points and a career-high 10.8 assists this season in 51 games (36.5 MPG), with a shooting line of .426/.371/.856.
(Just an ignorant observation here) but am I wrong by saying that the Hawks played much better without Trae Young?
That’s what I’ve been saying. ♂️
If Hawks brass had any brains:
1) they would’ve kept Luka
2) they’ll keep Dejounte and trade mini mouse
Either way, I just want DJ to go somewhere he can actually elevate and maybe make playoffs again.
Just in time for Cancun! How lucky!