The Washington Wizards are taking a cautious approach with their new star point guard, Trae Young, as he continues to recover from MCL and quad injuries on his right leg. According to sources, Young will be reevaluated after the mid-February All-Star break, ensuring that he receives the necessary time to heal and regain his strength. This decision comes as no surprise, given the significant investment the Wizards made in acquiring Young from the Atlanta Hawks.
The trade, which sent CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta, marked a new era for the Wizards, with Young expected to be the face of the franchise. However, his injuries have raised concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season. With a 10-28 record and 14th place in the Eastern Conference standings, the Wizards can ill afford to rush Young back into action, potentially risking further injury and compromising their already slim playoff hopes.
In his 10 games this season, Young has averaged 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 28 minutes per night, while shooting 41.5% from the field and 30.5% from 3-point range. These numbers are a testament to his exceptional skill and versatility on the court. As an All-NBA selection in 2021-22, Young has consistently demonstrated his ability to dominate games, with career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per game.
Young's impressive statistics are a reflection of his hard work and dedication to the sport. His ability to score and create for his teammates has made him one of the most formidable players in the league.
One of Young's most notable achievements is his ability to average at least 25 points and 10 assists in a season, a feat he has accomplished twice in his career (2022-23, 2023-24). This places him alongside Russell Westbrook, with only Oscar Robertson achieving this milestone more times (five). Furthermore, Young has scored or assisted on 48.1 points per game in his career, the second-most in NBA history behind Luka Doncic (48.9).
As the Wizards navigate the challenges of the season, they must balance their desire to win with the need to protect their star player. With a long history of injuries, Young's health is paramount, and the team must be cautious not to rush him back into action. The Wizards have lost three games in a row, and their playoff hopes are fading fast. The team's last playoff appearance was in the 2020-21 season, when they lost in the first round.
As the NBA season enters its second half, the Washington Wizards will be keeping a close eye on Trae Young's progress, hoping that he will be able to return to the court and lead the team to victory. With his exceptional talent and dedication, Young has the potential to be a game-changer for the Wizards, and his recovery is crucial to the team's success.
In conclusion, the Washington Wizards are taking a cautious approach with Trae Young's recovery, prioritizing his health and well-being above all else. As the team navigates the challenges of the season, they must balance their desire to win with the need to protect their star player. With Young's exceptional talent and dedication, the Wizards have a bright future ahead, but for now, they must focus on the present and ensure that their star point guard is fully recovered before returning to action.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
