There’s no doubt that Trae Young is an exceptional basketball player and potentially one of the best in the league. When he was drafted, the point guard could barely keep up with the pace of the NBA, but he quickly turned things around. Since then, Ice Trae has proven himself to be a big-time threat on the Atlanta Hawks roster. His best campaign was during the NBA bubble back in 2020 when he led the Hawks to a deep playoff run.
Trae Young has earned quite a reputation among his peers. He shoots lights out from beyond the three-point arc and also has incredible play-making abilities.
His teammate, John Collins told Bally Sports, “Trae has definitely pushed himself into his own category. I can definitely say for sure that he’s a way better play-maker than Steph and he’s a better isolation scorer, right?” Collins concluded by respecting Stephen Curry for his legendary career and skills.
“I can definitely say for sure that [Trae’s] a way better playmaker than Steph and he’s a better isolation scorer, right?”
– John Collins on Trae Young being compared to Steph Curry 🗣️🤔
(via @ScoopB, https://t.co/yyqgEVT9cy) pic.twitter.com/nRyfjsA1i9
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 11, 2023
Trae Young averaged 26.2 points, 3 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game during the regular season. He finished second in assists this season and tenth in points per game. Throughout his five-year career, Trae has shot incredibly well. So far, he’s put up 43.7% from the field, 35.1% from beyond the arc, and 87.6% from the foul line.
Some argue that he is a much better shooter from beyond the 35-foot mark than Curry. Regardless of it, given the right pieces and the right training, Young will mostly become a legend in his unique way.
Will Trae Young anchor the Atlanta Hawks through the play-in tournament?
The Hawks have been somewhat of a disappointment this season as they failed to get past the play-in tournament berths. Atlanta finished with a record of 41 wins and 41 losses, which could have been better in a different scenario. However, the Eastern Conference is filled with highly competitive teams waiting to snatch the title away.
Trae Young will lead the NBA in total assists in back-to-back seasons.
One of the best playmakers in the league 🥶
(h/t @BenStinar) pic.twitter.com/mbvKwCrjmp
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 8, 2023
The Hawks will now face the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the play-in tournament in the East. The Heat is a better team defensively, which may play out to their advantage. However, Trae Young’s scoring along with Dejounte Murray’s assistance could play a vital role if they win. Jimmy Butler and the Heat have the upper hand with three victories against one during the regular season series.
Trae has averaged only 19.8 points per game against Butler and the Heat. This proves how powerful Miami’s defense is. Young still managed to utilize his play-making skills to average 9.8 assists per game while shooting 20.8% from the field and 35.6% from three against the Heat. The Hawks will have to work on getting their shots in to overcome their opponents.