With a loss to the Clippers on Wednesday, Atlanta is 13-10 this season. The team is 5-5 in its previous 10 and has lost two straight. A 13-10 record has the Hawks at ninth in the Eastern Conference.
For the last 18 games, Atlanta has been without all-star PG Trae Young. He suffered a knee injury on October 29 vs. the Nets. The Hawks’ medical staff gave an update on November 29, saying Young will be re-evaluated in two weeks. While the 27-year-old has missed extended time, the Hawks have built a strong defensive identity. Will the team struggle to keep that same defensive intensity when Young returns to the court?
The Hawks are at a crossroads with what to do with Trae Young
Some Hawks defense numbers without Trae Young pic.twitter.com/XB3wCkSXLo
— Jake (@SuperiorNBA) December 4, 2025
Trae Young is in his eighth professional season with the Hawks. In that time, he’s been named an all-star four times. Additionally, Young led the NBA with 11.6 assists per game in 2024-25. For his career, the talented PG averages 25.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. At his best. Trae Young is a player who’s capable of running the offense on a nightly basis for the Hawks. He’s done that over several years.
Unfortunately, the team has been without Trae Young for the last 18 games and counting. He continues to work his way back to full health after suffering a knee injury. Without Trae Young, the Hawks have kept themselves afloat. On top of that, Atlanta has built a true defensive identity while Young misses time.
🚨 Trade Alert? The Hawks are thriving without Trae Young, showcasing strong defense and a solid standing in the East. A bold proposal suggests swapping him for James Harden & future picks. Could this be the shake-up Atlanta needs? #NBA #Hawks #TradeRumors 🏀 pic.twitter.com/WPzzP6y7G1
— Sports 365 (@UsaSports365) December 2, 2025
Starting in place for Young at PG is Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The six-foot-five guard was one of the Timberwolves’ top defenders before he was acquired by the Hawks. Alexander-Walker has added another layer to an already talented defense. With Trae Young in the lineup, the Hawks had the worst defensive rating in the NBA. It was a small five-game sample size.
Without Young on the floor, the Hawks are a top-five defensive unit in the NBA. When Young was on the court this season, the Hawks allowed an average of 123.2 points per game. While Young has been out, the team has allowed 111.1 points per game to their opponents. Will the Hawks consider trading Trae Young for another player who fits the team’s identity?
