The shocking trade of the Washington Wizards acquiring Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks may see him finally debuting soon. Young moved franchises for a relatively small trade package due to the Hawks selling low and moving on with their future. Washington added both Young and Anthony Davis at the trade deadline, but fans have not seen either suit up for the franchise just yet.
Washington revealed today that Young is progressing well and plans to “ramp up” his basketball activities this week. The current plan is to see how Young advances during his recovery from an MCL sprain and thigh bruise to get re-evaluated in about a week. Previous rumors indicated that the Wizards could stand pat and have Young sit out the rest of the year to help their lottery draft pick chances.
“You just follow the process,” Washington coach Brian Keefe said. “That’s what we always do.” Washington fans received good news that Young is working towards playing this season and making his Wizards debut. Even though a high draft pick is helpful, suffering Washington fans seeing a new superstar for the first time objectively adds excitement for the rest of the season.
When Can We Expect Trae Young?
Washington will still play it safe since there’s no real team success of a playoff birth on the line this season. A terrible start before acquiring two All-Star caliber talents makes it virtually impossible rally back in the standings. Even the non-guaranteed playoff seeds of the play-in race seem like a long shot right now.
Young is likely playing a major role in his future since he’s developed a negative reputation for missing games and not contributing to winning basketball. Any player to have reached the superstar status that Young did at his peak is hoping to work their way back there.
Missing the rest of the season would just further harm Young’s reputation and make him lose more respect around the league. Young can return as soon as late next week when re-evaluated, but it will likely take longer since they can play it safe to wait until he feels 100% healthy.
Will Anthony Davis Join Trae Young?
The Wizards also gave an update on Davis, but it was less optimistic about a return timetable like Young’s news. Davis is not ready for practice just yet and will continue rehabbing from his hand injury until he’s cleared by doctors to do more.
Washington is not expected to get Davis back as soon as Young, and his status could easily see him sitting out for the rest of the season. Davis has a worse “injury prone” label than Young since he often misses many games each year.
Next season is when the Wizards will have higher expectations and attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since the Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook era. Expect them to completely play it safe with Davis and manage Young’s minutes once he’s cleared to return. The hope is that Young can develop chemistry with his young teammates this season and show signs for the future goals.
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