Trae Young made his first trip back to Atlanta since being traded to the Washington Wizards last month. The point guard returned to State Farm Arena on Tuesday night but did not play due to ongoing recovery from a right knee sprain and quadriceps contusion.
Young appeared in the visiting locker room, a new experience for him after eight years in the larger home side. He described the feeling as “weird” and acknowledged it will take some adjustment.
Recovery and Playing Status
Young has not played in nearly two months. The Wizards are prioritizing his health and are in no rush to rush him back on the court. The team’s current focus appears to be positioning for a favorable draft next season rather than immediate competitive success.
When asked about his return, Young expressed cautious optimism. “I’m leaving it up to the doctors," he said. “Just following the plan. The plan is going good so far. You never know.”
Legacy in Atlanta
Young was the face of the Atlanta Hawks franchise. He earned four NBA All-Star selections and led the team to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021. However, subsequent seasons saw the Hawks struggle to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs.
Amid another disappointing season, the Hawks chose to trade Young. In early January, he was sent to the Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Despite the move, Young maintains no hard feelings towards Atlanta or its fans.
Reflections from Young
Young expressed gratitude for his years in Atlanta. “I just want Hawks fans to know how much love and appreciation I had for them from day one,” he said. He credited his time there with helping to build his identity and elevate the team’s reputation.
On the decision to move, Young offered candid insight. “When you’ve been there for so long, it kind of feels like your stay is not welcomed as much anymore.” He added, “That’s OK. That’s life, no matter what we do. We play a sport that’s not necessarily fair.”
Team Challenges and Future Outlook
Young acknowledged the difficulties both he and the Hawks faced this season, including injuries to key players like Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis, after playing only 17 games due to health issues, was later traded to the Golden State Warriors.
Looking ahead, Young is hopeful about his future with the Wizards. The team recently acquired superstar Anthony Davis and holds a promising draft position, offering opportunities for growth. Young is enthusiastic about developing alongside a talented, youthful roster.
Atlanta’s Response
Hawks coach Quin Snyder publicly appreciated Young’s contributions. “Speaking on everyone’s behalf, we’re very appreciative of what Trae has done for our team and our franchise,” Snyder stated. “We just wish him well in this next phase of his career.”
Although Young had hoped to play against Atlanta during his return visit, his rehab status prevented it. He said, “I’m in a great spot right now. I wish I could play tonight, my first night here, but it wasn’t in God’s plans.”
Emotional Tribute
During the game, Young watched from the bench on the visiting side. In the second quarter, fans gave him a standing ovation accompanied by a tribute video. Young responded by forming a heart shape with his hands and mouthing “thank you.”
He noted this moment helped him manage his emotions. “That is probably the one plus of playing right now. I can maybe get some emotions out of the way the first time and not be so emotional every time.”
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