Is there a potential for a changing of the guard at the Atlanta Hawks?

With Trae Young out injured, the Atlanta Hawks would have expected their season to be over. Instead, they are fighting for a play-in spot and it leads to the question, could there be a changing of the guard?

Mar 28, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5)
Mar 28, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) | Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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What are the pros for the Atlanta Hawks of rebuilding without Trae Young?

The Hawks have the potential to build around another young star in Dejounte Murray. He has a similar ability to pass the ball, creating for himself and others. He has shown the ability to take the Hawks on his back and lead them to victory. He also has the desire to have the ball in his hands when the Hawks need a bucket, including game winners such as the one against the Boston Celtics.

On top of that, the Hawks have a solid young core that they can build with the return that they will get if they trade Young. Using this as a building block, they can trade for another star to pair with Murray. If you have a defensive minded team with Murray, this is going to go a long way to getting the franchise into the post season regularly.

Moving on from Young means that the Hawks will also allow them greater flexibility in terms of salary cap room. This will then allow them to adjust their roster according to the needs at the time which is not something that they can do at the current time.

The Hawks have the building blocks and the coaching staff to work out how to win without Young in the near future. The last few years have been a roller coaster with Young, success is built on sustained success that can be built upon with brilliance taking the team to the promised land on top of that. Currently the team is relying on the brilliance to keep the team relevant in the regular season.

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