Fansided · Dec 5, 2025
Hawks identity without Trae Young is impossible to ignore
Atlanta Hawks v Boston Celtics | Maddie Malhotra/GettyImagesThe Atlanta Hawks are the worst defensive team in the league this season with Trae Young on the floor and a top-five team with him off. If the Hawks are going to compete, Young must address this problem immediately, or he’ll face being used as trade bait for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Young has improved his effort on the defensive end over the years, but he is still a clear negative on the defensive end. Team have such little respect for his defense that opposing GMs deem him a negative-value contract despite being a world-class offensive player.