After making three straight NBA playoff appearances, the Atlanta Hawks hoped to take a step forward this season. However, they have put forth some subpar play this year, especially on the defensive end of the court.
With an 18-24 record, they’re holding onto 10th place in a competitive Eastern Conference, and they’re coming off a 116-95 humbling at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, in which they shot under 40 percent from the field.
Trae Young, Atlanta’s best player, played just 28 minutes and scored 15 points before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a concussion. According to ESPN, he will be out indefinitely, as there is no timetable for his return.
“Young left the game with 8:43 remaining after taking a charge from the Cavaliers’ Isaac Okoro and getting hit in the face by an inadvertent elbow. Young stayed on the court for a few minutes, walked back to the locker room and did not return.
“There is no timetable for Young’s return. He must go through the league’s concussion protocol to ensure he is symptom-free before resuming basketball activities.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks Updates
On the season, Young is averaging 26.9 points and 10.8 assists a game, which puts him ninth and second in the NBA in those two categories, respectively. While he isn’t exactly an efficient offensive player, he is always a threat to get hot for an extended stretch and shoot his team into an unexpected victory.
He had a torrid December in which he put up 30.4 points and 12.2 assists per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 42.2 percent from 3-point range. Unfortunately, it didn’t translate into wins, as Atlanta went just 4-10 in December.
While Young is out, the onus will largely be on fellow starting guard Dejounte Murray to carry the load for the Hawks. He’s averaging 21.1 points and 5.0 assists a contest this season while shooting a robust percentage both from 3-point land and overall from the floor.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Just days ago, he hit game-winning shots in back-to-back games against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.
Murray has been the subject of trade rumors lately, with multiple teams reportedly interested in acquiring him. He signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the Hawks last summer that will kick in starting next season.
