Trae Young to Miss at Least Two More Weeks With Right Knee MCL Sprain
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The Atlanta Hawks announced on Saturday, November 29, that guard Trae Young will remain sidelined for a minimum of two additional weeks as he continues to recover from a sprained MCL in his right knee. The 27-year-old will be re-evaluated at that time.
Young sustained the injury during a collision with teammate Mouhamed Gueye in the first quarter of an October 29 road game against the Brooklyn Nets. He did not return to that contest, and an MRI performed a few days later confirmed the MCL sprain with no other structural damage.
Saturday’s update marks the first official word on Young’s status since November 1, when the team initially set a four-week recovery window. Atlanta has compiled an 11-5 record—including the victory in Brooklyn—while the four-time All-Star has been out of the lineup. If he remains on the current timeline, the earliest realistic return date is December 14, when the Hawks host the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning he is expected to miss six more games.
With Young unavailable, fifth-year forward Jalen Johnson has emerged as the club’s primary offensive option. Johnson, who turns 24 next month, recorded 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in Friday’s seven-point win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, his second triple-double of the season.
Reigning Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels has handled expanded playmaking duties in the backcourt, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker—acquired in an offseason sign-and-trade with the Timberwolves—has doubled his scoring average to 19.3 points per game while starting the past 13 contests. Head coach Quin Snyder will determine Alexander-Walker’s role once Young is cleared to return.
Source: Hoops Rumors
