The Hawks had been among the many groups anticipated to take a step ahead this season within the Jap Convention, however a 3-3 begin and damage considerations for star level guard Trae Younger have stripped away a few of the pleasure early in Atlanta. 

After Younger injured his knee on Wednesday evening towards the Brooklyn Nets when a teammate fell into him, there was some preliminary excellent news in it not being a torn ACL. Nonetheless, the crew introduced an MRI on Saturday revealed a sprained MCL that may maintain him out for no less than 4 weeks earlier than they re-evaluate him — which suggests the absence may prolong past that preliminary timetable. 

For a Hawks crew that has been largely constructed round Younger’s skills on the offensive finish for years, they’re going to face a critical problem navigating the subsequent month with out him. That mentioned, the explanation for optimism coming into this season was the Hawks had been the deepest, most proficient group of teammates Younger has had in Atlanta on paper, and meaning they need to be higher geared up for his absence. 

How the Hawks can succeed with out Younger

Friday’s 128-108 win over the Pacers of their NBA Cup opener supplied a glimpse on the excellent situation for a way the Hawks can play with out Younger within the lineup. 

Dyson Daniels had certainly one of his finest offensive video games of the season entering into the purpose guard position with Nickeil Alexander-Walker taking up on the two guard spot. These two mixed for 39 factors and Daniels had six assists and 9 rebounds to do a little bit of every little thing for Atlanta from the purpose guard spot. Their capacity as a duo to wreak havoc on protection can result in straightforward offense, and the Hawks should lean on their defensive upside in Younger’s absence. 

Daniels dwelling as much as the $100 million contract the Hawks simply gave him previous to the season will likely be essential to whether or not they can keep afloat in November. That is additionally a possibility for Jalen Johnson to show himself as a number one man, as many in Atlanta hoped to see him take a leap as an All-Star this season. On Saturday, his full skillset was on show when he led the crew in all three main classes with 22 factors, 13 rebounds and eight assists within the win in Indiana. 

Johnson was having a breakout 2024-25 marketing campaign earlier than an damage shut him down, and with out Younger they’re going to want him to not simply present flashes of brilliance however be a constant star-level participant for the Hawks to achieve their objectives. Whereas it’s going to take a gaggle effort to cowl for what Younger brings as a scorer and facilitator, Daniels and Johnson are the 2 most essential gamers by way of taking over the playmaking position for Atlanta over the subsequent month. 

The schedule will get harder than the Pacers and Nets, and their subsequent 5 video games towards the Cavs, Magic, Raptors, Lakers and Clippers will provide a extra true evaluation of what this group is able to with out Younger.