We’re barely a week into the 2025-26 NBA season… and the drama meter is already maxed out.
Between the Hawks losing their floor general and the Grizzlies benching their franchise star, it feels like the league couldn’t wait to remind us — it’s never just about the NBA.
Let’s unpack everything going on, what it means for the teams involved, and how these two storylines might shape the early season chaos.
Trae Young’s Scary Setback in the NBA
The Atlanta Hawks just got hit with the kind of news no franchise wants this early: Trae Young has suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee and will be sidelined for at least four weeks.
The injury happened in a blink — a tangle-up on an inbounds play that sent teammate Mouhamed Gueye falling into Trae’s leg. He grimaced immediately, clutched the knee, and limped off.
Thankfully, multiple evaluations confirmed there’s no structural damage — but this is still a huge blow.
Through his first few games, Trae was putting up 20.8 points and 9.5 assists per game, running the show with that familiar blend of confidence, flash, and chaos. Without him, Atlanta loses its offensive compass.
The Hawks rely on Trae’s creation more than any other player in their system. Whether it’s the pick-and-roll game, the pull-up threat from 30 feet, or the lob synergy with Clint Capela, Young’s fingerprints are all over every possession.
Now the question becomes: who steps up in the NBA?
Expect Dejounte Murray to take on the lead guard role, while Bogdan Bogdanovic and Jalen Johnson get more scoring reps. But it’s hard to replicate Trae’s playmaking gravity — defenses will sag more, closeouts will slow, and spacing will shrink.
The Hawks entered this season trying to shake the “mediocre middle” label. Without Young for a month, they’ll need to prove they can stay afloat. Because if this four-week timeline stretches longer, their early playoff hopes might not survive the blow.
Ja Morant’s Leadership Test in the NBA
Meanwhile, in Memphis, the Grizzlies have a completely different kind of problem.
Their superstar guard Ja Morant was suspended one game for conduct deemed “detrimental to the team.” The reason? A postgame confrontation with new head coach Tuomas Iisalo after their loss to the Lakers.
According to reports, Iisalo challenged Ja’s leadership and effort late in the game — and Ja didn’t take it well. The argument spilled from the locker room into the hallway, with teammates stepping in to cool things off.
The result: the franchise’s face suspended for one game.
Now, one game might not sound like much. But this isn’t about a missed night — it’s about tone. It’s about accountability.
Morant has been trying to rebuild his reputation after a string of off-court issues in past seasons. This was supposed to be his redemption year — the year he’d lead Memphis back to contention after an injury-plagued 2024-25.
Instead, the story has shifted back to his leadership.
For a Grizzlies team that’s already had its share of turbulence, this is dangerous timing. The West is brutally competitive, and one misstep in chemistry can spiral quickly.
What happens next will define not just the Grizzlies’ season — but Morant’s growth as a leader. Will he respond with maturity? Or will this become another spark in the fire of inconsistency?
How These Two Stories Connect
Different players, different problems — but the impact is eerily similar.
Atlanta loses its engine. Memphis loses its focus.
Both are playoff hopefuls in conferences that don’t forgive mistakes. Every loss in November can haunt you in March.
For Atlanta: Can they survive without their franchise cornerstone? Will they keep the ball moving, or revert to isolation-heavy NBA Basketball?
For Memphis: Can Ja buy into Iisalo’s system and rebuild trust within the locker room in the NBA?
Injuries test depth. Drama tests leadership. And right now, the Hawks and Grizzlies are getting tested in both departments.
What’s Next
Trae Young’s recovery timeline: Four weeks minimum — expect the Hawks to play it safe.
Ja Morant’s response: His post-suspension game will say everything about where he’s at mentally.
Early standings: Both teams risk losing ground fast in stacked conferences.
This isn’t panic time — yet. But it’s a wake-up call for both organizations.
The NBA season is long, unpredictable, and brutally unforgiving. One injury, one argument, one misstep… and suddenly the narrative changes overnight.
If there’s one lesson here, it’s simple — availability and accountability win just as many games as talent does.
So buckle up. Because if this is how Week 2 looks… imagine what December’s going to bring.
