Trae Young (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks have traditionally hosted a game at State Farm Arena on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. However, the 2024-25 NBA schedule shows that they are not set to play on TNT or NBA TV on this significant day.

Instead, the Hawks will be traveling to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. This schedule change has not pleased Hawks star Trae Young. He took to social media to express his disappointment.

“MLK disappointed in y’all.. @NBA. I’m sorry Atlanta” on X.

Given that Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, the Hawks have historically been a key part of the league’s MLK Day games. Trae Young’s reaction resonated with many NBA fans, who voiced their support on social media. Some fans even suggested a matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Hawks for future MLK Day games.

While the NBA has seven games scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Hawks are notably absent from this year’s lineup, leaving fans to share their frustration with Young in the comments.

John Hollinger of The Athletic also shed light on the news, writing “No MLK game for Hawks is wild, but I believe this is because NCAA football championship is happening right next door that day”.

Trae Young’s 2023-24 Season Highlight

The Atlanta Hawks, led by Trae Young, ended last season with a 36-46 record. They were placed 10th in the NBA Eastern Conference.

Despite the team’s overall performance, Young had an impressive season. Young, who recently supported the 2024 Draft class, averaged 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 10.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

Young shot 43.0% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the three-point line over 54 games. His standout play earned him a spot in the NBA All-Star Game for the third time in his career.