Hawks guard Trae Young takes a step closer to return

The Hawks are a little closer to seeing the return of four-time All-Star guard Trae Young.

The Hawks announced Saturday that Young has continued to increase his reconditioning activities. The Hawks expect him to return to practice next week and will update his status as appropriate.

Young sustained a right knee MCL sprain Oct. 29 in a matchup against the Nets. He has missed the last 21 games of the season after appearing in the first four games and half the first quarter of the game against the Nets.

Since then, the Hawks have posted a 12-9 record, which has raised the question of the team’s performance without him.

But the Hawks have played just two games with a completely healthy roster and have yet to see what a fully healthy rotation could look like.

Young has played just 139 minutes this season and the Hawks will want to evaluate what the rotation could look like with him in the mix.

In Young’s absence, the Hawks have seen the rise of forward Jalen Johnson, who has taken on the bulk of running the team’s offense.