Trae Young has pointedly questioned the Atlanta Hawks' roster construction during his time with the franchise, suggesting a key absence of players who could draw double teams. The former Hawks star made these comments on Michael Porter Jr.'s podcast. This critique emerges as the Hawks handle a challenging stretch, having lost their last three games including a heavy 89-140 defeat to the New York Knicks on April 30, 2026.
Young was direct in his assessment of his former team's offensive limitations. "In Atlanta, I don't know if I've ever had a teammate that can draw double teams," Young stated. He explained the strategic advantage such a player provides, noting that when a teammate commands a double team, it creates a 4-on-3 situation for the rest of the offense. This, he argued, was a missing element that hindered the Hawks' progress after their surprising 2021 playoff success. Young's tenure in Atlanta ended with a trade to the Washington Wizards in January, after nearly eight seasons.
The timing of Young's observations coincides with a difficult period for the Hawks. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses in their last five outings, with the sequence reading LLLWW from most recent to oldest. A brutal 89-140 loss to the Knicks on April 30, 2026, capped a trio of consecutive defeats. Preceding that were losses of 97-126 on April 29 and 98-114 on April 25. Their last victories were narrow 109-108 and 107-106 wins over the same Knicks team on April 23 and April 21, respectively. The team's performance raises questions about its current roster's ability to create high-quality offensive looks, echoing Young's past concerns.
Young expressed clear optimism about his new environment with the Wizards. "That's what I'm looking forward to," he said, referring to playing alongside teammates who command defensive attention. He signed a new contract this offseason and is set to be the primary playmaker for a Washington roster featuring Anthony Davis and young talents like AJ Dybantsa and Alex Sarr. Young believes this dynamic will unlock his game, contrasting it with his experience in Atlanta. He even referenced Stephen Curry's effectiveness in pick-and-roll situations, implying that elite spacing and threat levels change everything.
The Hawks must address the underlying issues highlighted by their former franchise player. Building a roster with multiple players who can pressure defenses is essential in the modern NBA. The team's current struggles, evidenced by the 89-140 scoreline and 2W-3L form, suggest this remains a work in progress. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page. Moving forward, the front office's ability to surround their core with complementary, threatening scorers will be vital for any return to postseason contention. Young's departure and his candid remarks mark the end of an era and set a clear challenge for the Hawks' future team-building philosophy.
