Sources: Hawks’ Young to return Thu. vs. Hornets

Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young is set to return on Thursday evening against the Charlotte Hornets, according to sources reported to ESPN.

Young has been sidelined since October 29 due to a sprained right MCL sustained in a victory at Brooklyn. The Hawks managed a 13-9 record without him but are now welcoming back their All-Star point guard.

The current assists champion in the NBA, Young has been posting averages of 17.8 points and 7.8 assists this season.

He was upgraded to probable after being a full participant in practice on Wednesday. This marked his second practice following a scrimmage with the Skyhawks, Atlanta’s G League affiliate, on Tuesday.

«It’s my knee, and it needed a bit more time compared to other injuries,» Young shared with reporters post-practice in Atlanta on Wednesday. «… I feel good. [Conditioning will] improve as I play. They wouldn’t permit my return or allow me to be close to being back if my conditioning wasn’t appropriate or close to it.»

Atlanta holds a 15-12 record despite facing multiple injuries over the past month. Young has not played in 22 consecutive games.

During his absence, Young observed the Hawks excel at various moments and recognized areas that need enhancement where the team struggled without him.

«I notice specific aspects that our team is executing well, which I want to continue fostering,» he mentioned. «However, there are instances when we face challenges or when things seem tough for the players, and I wish to alleviate that for them.

«From the very beginning, I have always viewed myself as a piece of the larger puzzle. I’ve never seen myself as the entire puzzle. I’m ready to return and fulfill the same role, contributing to the team as just another piece of the puzzle and trying to integrate.»}