NBA Fans Left Wondering What Could Have Been as Hawks Miss Playoffs. In a season that promised much for the Atlanta Hawks, a series of missteps, including a shocking trade deadline deal that sent young star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, has left fans questioning what could have been. Young's departure marked a significant turning point for the team, which had high hopes of making a deep playoff run. Now, with the Hawks watching from the sidelines as the postseason approaches, many are left to ponder the what-ifs of a season that never quite lived up to its potential. As the Wizards, meanwhile, look to make a surprise push for the playoffs, Young's new team is reaping the benefits of the Hawks' decision.
This would all be a lot more interesting if the Hawks hadn’t rid themselves of Trae Young back at the trade deadline, of course, if they hadn’t exiled him to Washington, D.C., which has been pro basketball purgatory, seemingly, since Calvin Coolidge sat courtside.
