Hawks’ Strong Start Without Trae Young Fuels Questions About Future Backcourt Direction

The Atlanta Hawks have managed an impressive start to the 2025–26 season despite a major setback that would typically derail most teams. With star point guard Trae Young sidelined since late October, Atlanta has stayed competitive in the Eastern Conference, entering December with a 13–9 record. Their resilience has surprised many across the league and reshaped conversations about the team’s long-term trajectory.

A major factor in Atlanta’s stability has been the emergence of Jalen Johnson, whose breakout performance has elevated him into the conversation as one of the NBA’s rising stars. His two-way impact has helped the Hawks remain balanced on both ends of the floor and has allowed them to operate without relying on Young’s heavy offensive load.

Because of this sustained success, some around the league have wondered whether the franchise might eventually evaluate its options with Young. While he remains one of the NBA’s most dynamic offensive players, his defensive limitations have often complicated the Hawks’ roster construction, leading to speculation that Atlanta may consider a different long-term approach.

That discussion has only intensified following a draft-night move that quietly set the franchise up with a potentially significant asset in the 2026 draft—one that could influence how the organization approaches its future at the point guard position.

1. A Draft Move That Alters Atlanta’s Options

According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon and Bobby Marks, several rival executives believe Atlanta’s draft-night trade with the New Orleans Pelicans could make it easier for the front office to contemplate a world beyond Trae Young. Executives told ESPN that the Hawks would need another primary ball handler if they traded Young, and the 2026 draft may offer that opportunity. The trade in question saw Atlanta send the No. 13 pick to New Orleans in exchange for the No. 23 selection and an unprotected 2026 pick swap involving the Pelicans and Bucks. At the time, the move was largely criticized from the Pelicans’ side, but it positioned the Hawks to potentially capitalize on two struggling franchises. With New Orleans currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference and Milwaukee sliding in the East, Atlanta is set to receive whichever of the two teams’ 2026 first-round picks lands higher. In a draft class already viewed as loaded with elite guard prospects, that could prove to be a franchise-altering asset. If the pick ends up near the top of the draft, the Hawks could find themselves in position to select a high-level guard—perhaps one capable of taking over primary playmaking duties should the team decide to move on from Young.

2. Young’s Absence and Atlanta’s Surprising Stability

Trae Young’s injury could have derailed Atlanta’s season, given how central he has been to the franchise’s identity. Instead, the Hawks have adapted well, relying on improved defensive cohesion and a more balanced offensive structure. Johnson’s emergence has played a key role, helping the team maintain pace while Young recovers. Head coach Quin Snyder has managed rotations effectively, ensuring that the team continues to compete despite the absence of its leading scorer and playmaker. Veterans and role players have stepped up, filling the offensive gaps while offering more defensive consistency than in previous seasons. Young’s absence has naturally raised questions about how the team functions stylistically without him. Executives around the league have noted that the Hawks appear more connected on defense and less dependent on heavy isolation or pick-and-roll creation. That shift has prompted speculation about whether Atlanta might prefer a two-way guard in the future. Still, those inside and outside the organization recognize that Young remains a high-impact player, and evaluating the team without him can only reveal so much. His eventual return is expected to provide clarity on whether the current group can blend his strengths with the newfound defensive stability.

3. What Comes Next for Atlanta?

For the Hawks, the next stage of the season will revolve around reintegration and evaluation. Young’s return will offer the organization a clearer picture of what this roster can be at full strength, particularly with Johnson’s emergence reshaping expectations for the team’s long-term core. The possibility of trading Young remains speculative and dependent on multiple factors, including Atlanta’s performance once he is back in the lineup. The front office is expected to use the coming weeks and months to assess fit, continuity, and whether the team can maintain defensive integrity with Young back on the floor. Meanwhile, the 2026 pick swap looms in the background as one of the most potentially valuable draft assets in the league. If the Pelicans and Bucks continue their downward trajectories, Atlanta could find itself positioned to draft an elite guard next summer—giving the franchise a level of flexibility it hasn’t had in years. For now, patience remains the guiding approach. The Hawks know they must fully evaluate this group before making any franchise-defining decision.