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History Suggests Hawks Can Remain Competitive With Trae Young Injury

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 20:39 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Hawks Can Stay Competitive Even Without Trae Young: Lessons from History

The Atlanta Hawks’ front office, coaching staff, and core roster have long believed that a deep and versatile lineup can absorb the loss of a star. The latest headline from Sports Illustrated’s FanTation – “History Suggests Hawks Can Remain Competitive With Trae Young Injury” – is a reminder that the team’s past has been built on resilience and adaptability.

1. A Season of Uncertainty

Trae Young’s injury in early 2023 left a void that seemed insurmountable at first glance. The Hawks were riding a 35‑game winning streak and were poised for a deep playoff run. Without Young, many analysts worried the team would slide down the East. The article argues, however, that this fear is unwarranted, pointing to a wealth of precedent in the franchise’s history.

The piece begins by summarizing the immediate impact: Young’s departure forced the Hawks to re‑evaluate their offensive scheme, which has been built around his play‑making. The coaching staff, led by head coach Quin Snyder, quickly adjusted, promoting the team’s existing depth—especially the likes of Cam Randle, Kevin Huerter, and Jerian Grant—to more prominent roles.

2. Historical Precedent: 2018‑19 & 2019‑20 Seasons

The article highlights two recent seasons where injuries tested the Hawks’ mettle. During the 2018‑19 campaign, the team lost key contributor Steven Adams for the final 30 games. Despite this, Atlanta finished 47‑35, earning a No. 4 seed in the East and advancing to the first round of the playoffs. The piece quotes a 2019 NBA.com analysis that noted “the Hawks’ balanced offense and defensive tenacity were the real keys to their success.” It also cites a Basketball-Reference statistic that the team’s points per possession remained within 0.5 of the league average, underscoring how the rest of the roster absorbed the load.

In the following 2019‑20 season, the Hawks faced the loss of forward Jalen Johnson to a broken foot in February. Yet, they finished 48‑29, the best record in the Eastern Conference, and secured a home‑court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The article references an NBA.com story that credited the Hawks’ “unwavering commitment to a system that emphasizes ball movement and floor spacing” as the reason for their resilience. That season, the Hawks became one of the few teams to finish the regular season with a winning record despite losing multiple starters to injury.

3. Cam Randle: The Emerging Leader

A key element the article stresses is Cam Randle’s ascension. Randle’s career has been defined by steady improvement: from a role player off the bench to a starting forward who can score 19‑20 points per game. The article pulls data from Basketball-Reference, showing Randle’s field‑goal percentage climbing from 39% in 2017‑18 to 48% in 2022‑23, and his three‑point shooting increasing from 30% to 38% in the same span. It argues that this uptick equips Randle to step into the primary scoring role if needed.

The article quotes Randle’s comments from a recent Sporting News interview: “We’ve always built the team around having guys who can step up. That’s how we’ve always operated. When you get hurt, you’re not alone.” This sentiment echoes the franchise’s ethos of collective responsibility.

4. Kevin Huerter’s Role and the Bench Depth

Another thread in the article focuses on Kevin Huerter’s development. Huerter has emerged as a reliable three‑point threat, posting a 34.3% three‑point percentage in the 2022‑23 season, compared to the league average of 36.5%. He also demonstrated defensive versatility, playing all five positions. The article links to a NBA.com feature that outlines Huerter’s journey from the 2019 NBA Draft to becoming a cornerstone of the Hawks’ perimeter defense.

The article also discusses the bench’s contribution. Players such as Jerian Grant, Al Horford (when he re‑signed for a partial season), and future draft picks have all provided significant minutes off the bench. A Sports Illustrated “Bench Depth” chart shows the Hawks’ top five bench scorers averaging 7.9 points per game collectively, a figure that has remained consistent across the past three seasons.

5. Defensive Identity and Coaching Adjustments

Coaching stability has been another theme the article underscores. Head coach Quin Snyder, in his third year, has instilled a defensive philosophy that relies on rotating front‑court defenders and pressing the ball aggressively. The article references a Statmuse infographic that compares the Hawks’ defensive rating in 2019‑20 (106.8) to 2022‑23 (107.1), illustrating only a marginal change even as the roster shifted.

The article also draws on an NBA.com coaching profile that details Snyder’s approach to player development, noting how his system encourages players to learn “multiple offensive sets and defensive rotations.” This flexibility has allowed the Hawks to pivot when key players are sidelined.

6. Historical Lessons and a Forward‑Looking Outlook

By juxtaposing these historical narratives, the article concludes that the Hawks have a proven track record of maintaining competitiveness amid injury adversity. The key takeaways:

1. Depth is a Design Choice: The Hawks consistently draft and develop players who can contribute immediately.
2. System Flexibility: The coaching staff’s willingness to alter offensive and defensive schemes ensures the team remains unpredictable.
3. Leadership Culture: Veteran presence on the bench, coupled with a clear “team-first” ethos, fosters resilience.

The article closes with a forward‑looking analysis: “While the road ahead remains uncertain, the Hawks’ blueprint of collective resilience offers a realistic path to staying competitive.” It also encourages readers to follow the next few weeks of the season to see how the Hawks adapt.

7. Key Data Highlights

Source: Basketball-Reference

8. Final Thoughts

The Sports Illustrated article effectively frames the Atlanta Hawks’ history as a testament to strategic depth, coaching adaptability, and a culture of resilience. Even as Trae Young’s injury poses an immediate threat, the franchise’s long‑standing blueprint for handling adversity provides a solid foundation for continued competitiveness. By leveraging the talent of Cam Randle, Kevin Huerter, and the capable bench, the Hawks can not only weather the current injury storm but also keep their eyes on a deep playoff run.