Trae Young is back after a 22-game absence to injury, but the team has changed during his leave
Trae Young is making his long-awaited return against the Charlotte Hornets tonight.
Young has missed the last 22 games to a right MCL sprain in a late October match against the Brooklyn Nets. While the Hawks went on an impressive 13-9 run with Young out, this oversells their inconsistent level of play.
His absence has allowed the Hawks to soar to new heights on defense, hovering around the seventh place in defensive rating throughout this stretch.