The Atlanta Hawks announced that their star point guard Trae Young's right knee injury is progressing steadily, but he will still need at least two weeks to return to play.

The NBA's assist leader from last season has missed a month of games since suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee in a game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29.

The team stated that Young's rehabilitation is progressing well and he is expected to undergo another injury evaluation in two weeks. Fortunately, the initial MRI confirmed that he did not suffer a more serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. However, the extended absence will still have a significant impact on both Young and the team.

As of now, Young has missed 15 games. If he continues to be sidelined for at least two more weeks as assessed by the team, he will miss at least another 7 games. This season, the NBA requires players to have played at least 65 games to qualify for the annual awards. If Young misses more than expected due to injury, he will not meet this standard and will essentially be ineligible for the season's awards.

Despite losing their star player, the Hawks have performed admirably during Young's absence. Following their latest 130-123 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Hawks' overall record stands at 12-8, and they have gone 10-5 in the 15 games since Young's injury, demonstrating a strong ability to adapt as a team.

Young is a four-time All-Star and the current offensive engine of the Hawks. He won the NBA assists title for the first time last season, and his value in playmaking and scoring is irreplaceable.