NBA: Hawks’ Trae Young cleared for practice

Injured Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young reacts to a Hawks basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

ATLANTA — Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young, who has missed 22 games since suffering a torn ligament in his left fifth finger, is moving closer to his return to action.

The Hawks announced Monday Young has been cleared for team practice and contact. He had surgery on Feb. 27 following his injury on Feb. 23 and was cleared following his six-week evaluation.

Young, who made his third All-Star team this season, leads Atlanta with his averages of 26.4 points and 10.8 assists per game.

Despite Young’s extended absence, the Hawks have retained their No. 10 position in the Eastern Conference, one game behind No. 9 Chicago, leaving them with the last spot in the play-in tournament.

Dejounte Murray has handled primary ball-handling duties in Young’s absence and is second on the team with his averages of 22.4 points and 6.4 assists.