Dec 6, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

'You Can Finally Say We’re Trying to Compete for Something' – Atlanta Hawks Star Has High Expectations for the Team in 2025-26

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 6:59 PM ET

The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the most productive teams this offseason, so much so that Trae Young has grown confident in the team’s chances to make a title run this upcoming season.

During an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints’ Josue Pavon, Young, who led the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in five years in 2021, discussed his outlook for the Atlanta Hawks in 2025-26.

“You can look at our roster and look at our team, and you can finally say we’re trying to compete for something. Going into Year 8, you haven’t been able to look at my teams, and been able to say that necessarily,” Young said.

Dec 11, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“So, I’m very glad that we have a team like that. We’ve added Nickeil (Alexander-Walker), we added Luke (Kennard), and Jalen (Johnson) being back, and obviously, (Kristaps) Porzingis. If we’re healthy, we’ll definitely be up there,” he added.

Atlanta Hawks News: Kristaps Porzingis drops key health update during EuroBasket

Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis opened up about the health issues that plagued him during his final weeks with the Boston Celtics after Latvia exited the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tournament.

“It’s true that there were still some days when I wasn’t feeling perfect, and I’m still working my way back to having my gas tank full,” Porzingis told BasketNews. “But as the tournament went on, I started to feel really good physically, and I knew I could push my body, I could push myself to go. Today was an example of that.”

“It’s just up from now,” he continued. “Overall, a great summer with my Latvian teammates, being back home, enjoying time with family. And yeah, I would have liked to finish on a more beautiful note.”