Big news for Atlanta Hawks fans: Their star guard Trae Young is gearing up to make a triumphant return to practice soon—could the team's fortunes finally turn around?
Hey there, basketball enthusiasts! It's always exciting when a key player edges closer to coming back, and today we're diving into some promising updates from the Atlanta Hawks. But here's where it gets intriguing: Will this spark a playoff push, or is there more drama brewing behind the scenes? Stick around as we break it down, step by step, keeping things straightforward even if you're just getting into the NBA world.
Written by Ohm Youngmisuk on December 13, 2025, at 3:25 PM ET
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Ohm Youngmisuk has been covering the Giants, Jets, and the NFL since 2006. Before that, he spent nearly a decade reporting on the Nets, Knicks, and the NBA. He came to ESPNNewYork.com after almost 12 years at the New York Daily News and holds a degree from Michigan State University. You can follow him on Twitter for more sports insights.
The Atlanta Hawks are buzzing with anticipation: their standout player, Trae Young, is slated to get back into practice sessions early next week, according to team announcements. Young, who's been sidelined due to a sprain in his right knee's medial collateral ligament (MCL)—that's the ligament on the inner side of the knee that helps stabilize it during movement, often causing pain and swelling after a twist or impact—has been out of action since he got hurt during a game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29. For beginners, think of an MCL sprain like a minor tear in a key support rope for your knee; it usually heals with rest and rehab, but rushing back can lead to bigger problems.
As the reigning champion in assists—a stat that tracks how many times a player sets up teammates for scoring opportunities, highlighting his playmaking prowess—Young has been dazzling with an average of 17.8 points and 7.8 assists per game this season. This makes him a central figure in the Hawks' offensive strategy, much like a quarterback calling plays in football. He's now ramping up his reconditioning exercises, which include targeted physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility, and the Hawks are hopeful he could suit up for a game around Christmas time. Imagine the holiday cheers if he returns just in time for the festive season!
In his absence, the Hawks have stumbled a bit, dropping four out of their last five matches. This dip in form underscores just how pivotal Young is to their lineup—without his creativity and scoring, the team has struggled to maintain momentum. And this is the part most people miss: Is the Hawks' recent skid a sign of deeper issues, like over-relying on one star, or just a temporary setback? Some fans argue the team should have prioritized rest to prevent injuries earlier in the season, sparking debates about player health versus winning at all costs.
But here's the controversy that might surprise you: While Young's return is great news, critics wonder if pushing him back too soon could risk a setback, especially with playoffs on the horizon. Should teams focus more on long-term player wellness, even if it means short-term losses? It's a hot topic—some say the NBA's pace is too grueling, while others believe athletes thrive on it. What do you think? Do you side with aggressive comebacks for the thrill of the game, or do you prioritize caution to avoid career-ending injuries? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you agree with ramping up Young's rehab or if this is a recipe for disaster!
