Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has sustained a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, according to sources who spoke to ESPN on Saturday. The injury occurred during a recent game and has raised concerns about the team’s ability to maintain its competitive edge in the NBA. With Young’s availability now uncertain, the Hawks will need to rely on their depth in the backcourt to fill the void left by their star player’s absence. The team’s upcoming schedule includes several high-stakes matchups, and the absence of Young could significantly impact their performance in the second half of the season.
The MCL sprain is a common but serious injury in basketball, often requiring a recovery period of several weeks to months. Young’s injury is expected to sideline him for at least four weeks, with a reevaluation scheduled in that timeframe. The Hawks’ medical staff will monitor the injury’s progress and determine whether Young can return to play sooner if his recovery is faster. This injury could also affect the team’s draft strategy and free-agent acquisitions, as the organization may look to bolster its roster in the off-season.