### Trae Young's Return: A Game-Changer for the Hawks The Atlanta Hawks are set to receive a significant boost with the anticipated return of star guard Trae Young, who has been sidelined since late October due to a sprained right MCL. Young's absence has lasted 22 games, during which the Hawks have had to adapt and rely on their depth. His return is expected to reinvigorate the team's performance as they face the Charlotte Hornets on December 18, 2025. Despite missing a substantial portion of the season, Young's impact on the court is expected to be profound, although he will not be eligible for end-of-season awards due to the number of games missed. ### Breakdown of Trae Young's Situation 1. **Injury Background** - Trae Young suffered a sprained right MCL during a game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29, 2025, which led to his extended absence [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/hawks_star_pg_trae_young_knee_back_in_action_vs_hornets/s1_17045_43223722]. - Initially, he was expected to miss about four weeks, but his recovery took longer than anticipated, resulting in 22 missed games [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/atlanta-hawks/news/trae-young-injury-update-hawks-star-guard-set-return-after-extended-absence/66510bd3bcc27188f95dd94a]. 2. **Team Performance During Absence** - The Hawks managed to maintain a competitive record of 13-9 in Young's absence, showcasing the depth of their roster [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/hawks_star_pg_trae_young_knee_back_in_action_vs_hornets/s1_17045_43223722]. - Players like Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped up to fill the void left by Young, contributing to the team's success [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/hawks_trae_young_could_make_return_vs_hornets/s1_17038_43219120]. 3. **Return to Action** - Young has been cleared to return and participated in full practice sessions with both the Hawks and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/trae_young_returns_for_atlanta_hawks/s1_17396_43223182]. - His return is expected to significantly enhance the Hawks' offensive capabilities, as he averaged 20.8 points and 9.5 assists in the games he played before his injury [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/hawks_announce_trae_young_news_after_22_missed_games/s1_17615_43219160]. ### Supporting Evidence of Trae Young's Impact - **Performance Metrics Before Injury** - In the five games prior to his injury, Young averaged: - **Points:** 20.8 - **Assists:** 9.5 - **Field Goal Percentage:** 36.4% - **Three-Point Percentage:** 19.2% (5 of 26 attempts) [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/hawks_star_pg_trae_young_knee_back_in_action_vs_hornets/s1_17045_43223722]. - **Team Record Without Young** - The Hawks' record during Young's absence was 13-9, indicating resilience and adaptability within the team [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/hawks_star_pg_trae_young_knee_back_in_action_vs_hornets/s1_17045_43223722]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Hawks **Trae Young's return is poised to be a pivotal moment for the Atlanta Hawks as they face the Charlotte Hornets.** His presence on the court is expected to enhance the team's offensive dynamics significantly. 1. Young's injury sidelined him for 22 games, but he has now been cleared to play. 2. The Hawks have shown resilience, maintaining a competitive record without their star player. 3. Young's return will not only boost the team's performance but also provide a much-needed spark as they aim for a successful season. The Hawks and their fans are eagerly anticipating Young's return, hoping it will mark the beginning of a strong second half of the season [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/hawks-make-final-decision-trae-young-status-hornets-11238893].