The Atlanta Hawks bid farewell to their season with a crushing 131-116 defeat against the Chicago Bulls, leaving fans to ponder whether the Trae Young era is also drawing to a close.
At his peak, Young emerged as a playoff sensation, guiding the Hawks to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. Renowned for his limitless shooting range and playmaking prowess since entering the NBA in 2018, he’s been a linchpin for the team.
Yet, since that impressive 2021 run, the Hawks have been on a downward trajectory, falling short of expectations. Despite clinching a playoff spot through the play-in tournament in the past two seasons, they succumbed to first-round exits against formidable opponents like the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.
The 2023-24 season unraveled further, marred by a slew of injuries to key players like Young, Saddiq Bey, Jalen Johnson, and De’Andre Hunter. Despite flashes of offensive brilliance, their dismal defensive performance (27th in rating) overshadowed their efforts.
With a disappointing 36-46 record, landing them 10th in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks faced a disheartening end. Against the Bulls, Young’s 22 points and 10 assists weren’t enough to counter a lackluster defensive effort, resulting in a frustrating defeat.
While Young maintained his stellar form, earning his third All-Star Game appearance and averaging 25.7 points and 10.8 assists, concerns loom over his compatibility with Dejounte Murray, acquired from the San Antonio Spurs.
Moreover, Young’s defensive struggles persist, with subpar ratings throughout his six-year NBA career. Despite signing a lucrative contract extension in 2021, the Hawks’ middling performance over the past three years calls for introspection.
Trade speculations surrounding Young have gained momentum, fueled by rumors of interest from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers. As the season concludes, attention shifts to the offseason, where pivotal decisions loom for both Young and the Hawks.
Should Young depart Atlanta, he leaves behind a legacy marked by three All-Star appearances and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team in 2022, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities.
