Hawks Find Success While Star Guard Recovers
The Atlanta Hawks are 7-2 since Trae Young sprained his knee on Oct. 29, placing fourth in defensive efficiency during that span. The club has not ranked higher than 18th on defense in any of Young’s previous seven seasons.
“They’re a totally different team with and without him,” one Western Conference executive told ESPN. Young, sidelined for several more weeks, holds a $48.9 million player option for next season, intensifying speculation about his long-term future in Atlanta.
Celtics Stay Committed to Three-Point Volume
Despite questions about whether Boston would adjust its shot profile after offseason changes and Jayson Tatum’s Achilles issue, the Celtics trail only the Cleveland Cavaliers in three-point attempts per game. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has maintained the perimeter-oriented philosophy even as the organization navigates what ESPN described as “a gap year” away from firm title contention.
Nets’ Roster Draws Mixed Reviews
Rival executives continue to praise coach Jordi Fernández for guiding Brooklyn to early competitiveness last season before a 26-56 finish. Those same executives, however, told ESPN the Nets may possess the least talented roster in the league.
Brooklyn selected five players in the first round of June’s draft, and initial evaluations are varied as the franchise shifts focus toward the talent-rich 2026 draft class.
Source: Hoops Wire
