Hawks continue to thrive without Trae Young

Johnson's emerging as a star, while Dyson Daniels, now playing point guard, is averaging 6.9 assists and shooting 51.4% with Young out. He's one of seven Hawks averaging double-digit scoring since Young went out. Vit Krejci is particularly stepping up, hitting three three-pointers per game in Young's absence at a 52.5% clip. In his last three games, he's 17-for-23 from behind the arc.

Hawks have been an elite defense without Trae Young

It's only been eight games, but the Hawks have the second-best defensive rating in the NBA without Young, second only to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They're starting Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the backcourt alongside Daniels, giving them two excellent defenders, while getting 11.3 steals (third since Oct. 3) and 5.9 blocks (sixth).

That gives the Hawks a lot to think about regarding Young, who has a player option for $49M for 2026-27, but could become an unrestricted free agent. Young has been the Hawks' most important player since they acquired him on draft night in 2018 in only the second-worst trade involving Luka Doncic.

The two sides didn't agree on an extension this summer, and the last two weeks suggest the Hawks shouldn't do so if it means giving Young another max deal. They could even look to trade Young when he's healthy, to a team trying to get him before he hits free agency.

One thing is clear: The Hawks are playing great without their biggest star. And they might have a new best player going forward.