Hawks Extend Trae Young’s Recovery Timeline as Team Finds Success in His Absence

The Atlanta Hawks earned a 130–123 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, a game highlighted by another standout performance from rising forward Jalen Johnson. The victory pushed Atlanta to 12–8, further solidifying its early-season footing despite the continued absence of star guard Trae Young.

Young, who has not played since spraining his right MCL on October 21, received an updated medical assessment that offered both encouragement and a reminder that his return will require more time. According to the team’s latest report, the All-Star guard is making steady progress but will remain sidelined into December.

The update extends his rehabilitation timetable, with the Hawks announcing he will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks. The approach reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring long-term stability rather than rushing Young back into action.

While Young remains out, Atlanta continues to show resilience and balance across the roster — a trend that has ignited discussion around how the Hawks operate with and without their franchise playmaker.

1. Young’s Recovery Progress and Expectations

The team shared Saturday that Young’s rehabilitation is progressing “positively,” though the timeline confirms he is unlikely to return before mid-December. His initial MCL sprain occurred during a tight win over the Brooklyn Nets, abruptly halting the excitement he expressed entering the season. Young spoke highly of the roster ahead of the campaign, calling it the most talented group he has played alongside. His enthusiasm stemmed from the return of Jalen Johnson, who missed most of the previous year, and the arrival of key additions including Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Alexander-Walker, in particular, has emerged as a bright spot, delivering a career-best 19.3 points per game on efficient shooting. His play has helped offset Young’s absence and given the Hawks an additional scoring engine in the backcourt. The team will next face the Philadelphia 76ers, continuing a challenging stretch of games as they await their All-Star guard’s eventual return.

2. Atlanta’s Strong Start Without Its Star Guard

Despite losing their primary playmaker, the Hawks have performed notably well. The team holds a 10–5 record without Young, a statistic that has prompted debate about how Atlanta’s system functions when he is not on the floor. The Hawks have leaned on increased ball movement, improved spacing, and stronger defensive consistency. Jalen Johnson’s emergence has been particularly impactful, offering two-way versatility and steady scoring production. Role players have also elevated their contributions, filling gaps typically occupied by Young’s usage-heavy presence. The balance across the rotation has compressed responsibilities and, in some cases, simplified the offensive approach. These dynamics have fueled discussions that extend beyond simple win-loss records, raising broader questions about the team’s identity, adaptability, and the stylistic differences between Young-led and Young-less lineups.

3. Van Gundy’s Candid Assessment of the Hawks Without Young

Former NBA coach and analyst Stan Van Gundy added fuel to the conversation, offering a pointed opinion about Atlanta’s performance without its All-Star. Speaking on The Zach Lowe Show, Van Gundy argued that the Hawks might function better without Young on the court. While his stance sounded critical, Van Gundy insisted he holds great admiration for Young’s style of play. He praised the guard’s creativity, passing flair, and ability to dissect defenses — calling him one of the league’s most entertaining players to watch. However, he suggested that the team’s overall connectivity appears stronger in Young’s absence. Van Gundy emphasized that this observation does not diminish Young’s individual brilliance but instead highlights how Atlanta’s structure shifts depending on who dominates ball possession. Even with such commentary circulating, the Hawks remain firmly committed to Young as a central figure. He is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks, at which point his return timeline will be reassessed.