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Trae Young Injury Update: Hawks All-Star Reveals Recovery Timeline Following ‘Nervous’ Surgery

Published 03/08/2024, 1:17 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young recently spoke about his surgery and recovery process on his podcast, ‘From the Point’, along with his co-host Winston. Young, who suffered a torn radial collateral ligament in the fifth finger of his left hand, has been out of action since 26th February. He sustained the injury during his game against the Toronto Hawks.

The injury sidelined Trae Young for a long time, considering his fitness and past injuries. The longest duration he has been away from consecutive games so far is four. However, the RCL injury will have him away for more as he provided an update on his recovery timeline.

Trae Young talks about the tough time he had watching his teammates play

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In the podcast, A’ja Wilson asked Trae Young about how he felt after his surgery. Young had to undergo surgery on February 27 to treat his finger injury. The surgery was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Talking about his recovery process Young said, “Yeah I feel good bro, surgery went well. I get my wrist free tomorrow. So I have this it’s like a little brace, it’s I wrapped it up so it looks a little prettier than what’s under it. But yeah I got a little brace it’ll be all right I get this off tomorrow and then got to be in that for another three weeks.” 

In the aftermath of his injury, Atlanta Hawks informed on X  that Young would need surgery to repair the RCL and would be re-evaluated in four weeks. Speaking about the surgery, he mentioned he was nervous about his ‘first surgery.’

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“I was nervous as hell going into the hospital. It was my first surgery. My dad said I had something when I broke my leg when I was like three, but I obviously don’t remember that,” he said. While the injury is taking a physical toll, being away from the basketball court and not being able to contribute to the team has also been mentally draining for him.

It was tough for me,” Young said. “I’m not happy watching the last two games and seeing my teammates out there playing. It’s tough because I’m not being able to be out there and get my guys involved or score when we need a bucket. I don’t know if I’ve come to terms with that,” Young admitted on the podcast.

But Young is optimistic about his return. He expressed his gratitude, “It’s God’s timing with everything. This may have happened for a reason.” For now, he is focusing on his recovery. “I just gotta do this rehab process. My first time doing that. So, getting out of this brace tomorrow and seeing the hand doctors every day.” Trae Young further expressed confidence in his medical team, highlighting his specialist as “one of the best in the game.”

Young had also shared an update from the hospital immediately following his surgery. On his Instagram, Young posted a picture of him on the hospital bed with his left hand in a sling. He captioned the post, “Made it through.. 1st surgery & God Willing my last.. don’t worry I’ll be ready when the time is right ! 

It goes without saying that the Hawks have lost Young at a very crucial moment. In fact, without his stellar performances, Atlanta runs the risk of missing this year’s postseason.

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Hawks feel Young’s Absence

Trae Young’s impact on the Atlanta Hawks has been a thing you can’t unsee. The two-time All-Star and the team’s offensive engine averages 26.4 points and 10.8 assists per game this season. Atlanta Hawks has won 4 games out of the last 6 games, but given the number of matches left, they will need better results.

There have been positive outcomes, but their offensive power has dipped since Young’s absence. Needless to say, the Hawks are waiting for Trae Young to resume playing as fast as possible and give them the final push for the playoffs. With enough wins and a stroke of luck, Atlanta can jump from the tenth spot to the sixth if they keep winning their matches, something they will need Young for.

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Will Young recover in time so that the Hawks are able to extend their talons for the NBA Championship and reach the playoffs this season?

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Written by:

Dhanraj Majithia

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Dhanraj is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Fueled by the legendary Kobe Bryant's Mamba Mentality, Dhanraj weaves his passion for the game with in-depth analysis, sharpened by his experience as a state-level shooting guard. His are of expertise lies in breaking down trade reports and their implications for fans.
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Edited by:

Ankit Singh