The Trae Young era in Atlanta feels like forever ago, yet it hasn't even been a full year since it reached its conclusion.
One of the most accomplished players in franchise history - Young's legacy in the city will forever be celebrated. Now that the dust has settled, though, both the Hawks and Wizards are focused groups. They're both looking to compete for a playoff spot in the talented Eastern Conference.
Naturally being in each other's way, it's time to leave the past behind, and evaluate what this new-look Hawks squad can do against their previous leader of seven seasons.
A standout performance and crucial victory in their first post-trade battle with Young and the Wizards would further confirm what they've believed to be true for much of the last year.
Hawks were confident shifting eras, and now they get to show why
Despite not getting any draft capital or long-term investment in return, Atlanta believes they won the trade. The Wizards, understandably, think they did as well.
No definitive statement can be made this early into a season. Much more time needs to pass before a winner can be declared, but that shouldn't stop either side from trying their best to prove themselves worthy.
The earliest return saw the Hawks in front. Undeniably. They stole two games on the eventual-champion New York Knicks after an incredible late-season standings climb. CJ McCollum - the veteran guard who was the centerpiece of their return for Young - looked like everything they'd been missing.
His postseason excellence instilled confidence in a Hawks fanbase that was still suffering from the idea of Young being elsewhere.
Luckily for them, though, they didn't see much of their former point guard in his new uniform last season. Young played just five games with the Wizards after the trade last year, but now he's fully healthy, and he's got his squad performing well.
Wizards have impressed through seven games - Hawks must beware
Washington enters this matchup at 4-3, while Atlanta, fresh off of an ugly victory over the Indiana Pacers, begins the day 4-4.
Averaging exactly ten assists per game, Young is doing what every Hawks fan knows he can do. He's arguably the most skilled playmaker in the association.
Atlanta has several incredible defensive players they'll be able to throw at their franchise legend, but they must be careful. They know better than anyone that if Young gets in a groove, the game could be over before it truly starts.
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