Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young exited Monday’s game against the Celtics with a concerning injury.
The Atlanta Hawks suffered a heavy defeat against the Boston Celtics on Monday night, and to add to their troubles, they lost their star guard, Trae Young, due to an injury.
Young left the game late with a sprained rib and did not return, according to the team’s X page.
This is concerning for a Hawks team that is already struggling with multiple absences, increasing the burden on Young. Players like Dyson Daniels, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De’Andre Hunter are currently out.
If Trae is sidelined for an extended time, Atlanta could face significant challenges. The former Oklahoma star voiced his frustration with the thin rotation just last week, according to Malik Brown:
“It’s not great; it’s not fun. I wish my team was complete and healthy,” Young said. “I feel like I’ve experienced this a lot since I arrived here. I wish I could have everyone on the court because they really help make things easier for me, but we need to find a way to adapt. It’s a next-man-up mentality in this league. I know it sounds cliché, but we have to embrace it and keep moving forward.”
Rib injuries can be particularly challenging due to the level of movement required in basketball. The Hawks currently hold a 3-5 record and have few offensive options outside of Trae Young, who is averaging 27 points, 11.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game.
Jalen Johnson is currently Atlanta’s second-leading scorer, averaging 18.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. If Trae is sidelined for an extended period, Johnson will need to significantly increase his performance. Rookie Zaccharie Risacher will also have the opportunity to assert himself more in the Hawks’ frontcourt. Compensating for Trae’s 27 points per game will be a considerable challenge.
Stay tuned for further updates on Trae Young’s condition.
