Last season saw Trae Young continuing to battle his Achilles issue, a recurring injury that's hindered his progress since it first popped up back in late 2023. This is undoubtedly something the Hawks' front office has taken into consideration, as this past season, they were fined $100,000 for holding Young out of games that he would've otherwise been able to suit up in.
With all of these questions surrounding Young's availability for the upcoming season, combined with the lack of an extensive explanation about his recovery timeframe, many experts are left wondering how Trae Young's health could affect the Atlanta Hawks this season. With a wide-open Eastern Conference and a busy offseason for the Hawks, many fans look towards this season as a "make-or-break" season for the Hawks' young core.
This isn't anything new to Hawks' fans, so what is the real concern?
An excerpt from The Zach Lowe Show goes into more depth about the timeline of Trae Young's Achilles injuries, going all the way to where it first arose. They highlight that this injury isn't just a hypothetical suggestion anymore, it's become something that NBA experts & insiders have speculated on. Everyone is wondering if Trae Young will ever truly recover from this injury that has held him back for three seasons now.
The real concern comes from the fan perspective. With the offseason overhaul bringing in crucial pieces that cater to Trae Young's play style, combined with the already mentioned shaky Eastern Conference, the pressure for success becomes felt on every level, from the fans up to ownership.
The Hawks are banking on Trae Young being healthy this year, but that couldn't be further from a guarantee. As the undisputed funnel of this Atlanta offense, another tweak in his Achilles could turn costly for a team eager to emerge as contenders in the East.
The Atlanta Hawks don't just need Trae Young to suit up. They need him back in his 2021 form, a season that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2015. As of now, Hawks fans can only hope for the best, but it may be in the best interest of the front office to start looking for ways to pivot from Trae Young if his Achilles injuries continue to linger and hinder the progress of a team ready to make a playoff push.