Does Trae Young Have All the Pieces to Go Deep in the Playoffs? A high-quality, professional editorial photo of Trae Young in action or at a media event would be a suitable image to accompany this report. Images from sources like Getty Images offer a wide range of options, including action shots from recent games or portraits from the 2025 media day.

After a disappointing season, the Atlanta Hawks have recalibrated their approach, moving past a “hero ball” strategy focused solely on Trae Young to building a more balanced, two-way roster, a shift praised with an A- grade. This strategic transformation included the acquisition of Kristaps Porziņģis, who serves as a “pick-and-pop big” to add a new offensive dimension and improve interior defense.

The team also fortified its perimeter defense and shooting with the additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a “reliable defender” to cover for Young’s defensive deficiencies, and sharpshooter Luke Kennard to provide floor spacing. These moves are designed to support Young’s elite playmaking, as he led the NBA with 11.6 assists per game last season , allowing him to evolve from a singular “hero” into a versatile “conductor”.

The team’s playoff ceiling, however, hinges on the health and development of its young core, particularly “budding star” Jalen Johnson, whose torn labrum injury last season derailed the team’s momentum. Alongside Johnson, defensive anchor Dyson Daniels, who led the league in steals , and others like Zaccharie Risacher add depth and versatility. This season is framed as a high-stakes wager in a “weakened” Eastern Conference, creating a potential “championship window” that the Hawks are well-positioned to exploit. The team’s masterful strategy is further secured by the acquisition of an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from the Pelicans, a “prized asset” that acts as a valuable hedge against failure, making this a “make-or-break year” for Young, but not for the franchise as a whole.