Trae Young is undeniably one of the NBA’s most electrifying talents, combining a remarkable ability to score with exceptional playmaking. With a unique blend of deep shooting range, flashy passes, and basketball intelligence, Young has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting point guards in the league. This article explores his journey from a young basketball prodigy to an NBA star, along with his style of play and the impact he has made on the Atlanta Hawks and the broader basketball world.
Early Life and Basketball Foundation
Born on September 19, 1998, in Lubbock, Texas, Trae Young was destined for a basketball career. His father, Rayford Young, had a successful career playing overseas, and from a young age, it was clear that Trae had inherited his father’s athletic talent. Growing up in Norman, Oklahoma, Young’s basketball skills began to stand out, especially during his time at Norman North High School.
At Norman North, Young was a standout player, averaging an impressive 42.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in his senior year. His scoring prowess and ability to create opportunities for teammates earned him widespread recognition, eventually leading to a scholarship to play for the University of Oklahoma.
College Career at the University of Oklahoma
Young’s one-year college stint (2017–2018) at the University of Oklahoma cemented his place as one of the top NBA prospects. He averaged 27.4 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, quickly establishing himself as one of the best playmakers in college basketball. His deep shooting range and flair for distributing the ball drew comparisons to NBA stars like Stephen Curry and Chris Paul.
While some questioned his size and whether his game would translate to the NBA, Young’s performance at Oklahoma showed that his skill set was more than capable of thriving at the next level. His ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor and create plays made him one of the most intriguing players in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The 2018 NBA Draft and the Hawks’ Decision
In the 2018 NBA Draft, Trae Young was selected fifth overall by the Dallas Mavericks but immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a deal that also involved Luka Dončić. This trade would come to define the trajectories of both franchises.
From day one in Atlanta, Young was thrust into the spotlight as the leader of the Hawks’ rebuild. In his rookie season, he proved his worth, averaging 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per game. Though the Hawks struggled as a team during his first year, Young’s performance was a clear indication that he was ready for the NBA.
Trae Young’s Playing Style: A Modern Point Guard
Trae Young is often considered the prototype of a modern point guard, and his playing style reflects the evolution of the position in today’s NBA. His deep shooting range, advanced ball-handling, and high basketball IQ allow him to dictate the game in a way few other players can. Here are a few key aspects of his playing style:
Elite Scoring Ability
Young’s shooting range is perhaps his most distinguishing feature. Much like Golden State’s Stephen Curry, he can hit shots from well beyond the three-point line, making him a constant deep threat. This ability forces defenders to play him closely, which opens up space for his teammates and allows him to execute the pick-and-roll to perfection.
Exceptional Court Vision and Playmaking
One of Young’s greatest strengths is his playmaking ability. His court vision is second to none, as he consistently delivers accurate, creative passes that create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. Young has become known for his ability to orchestrate the offense, whether it’s running a fast break or setting up in half-court sets. His high assist numbers reflect his elite vision and understanding of the game.
Pick-and-Roll Efficiency
Young thrives in pick-and-roll situations, where his ability to read the defense is on full display. Whether he’s pulling up for a jumper, finishing at the rim, or dishing to a rolling big man, his decision-making and quickness make him extremely difficult to defend in these situations.
Versatile Scoring Options
Although known for his shooting, Young is also a versatile scorer. He has a variety of ways to score, including finishing around the basket with layups and floaters, drawing fouls, and using his quickness to create separation. This variety keeps defenders guessing and allows him to be effective no matter the defensive coverage.
Career Achievements and Notable Milestones
Since entering the NBA, Trae Young has accumulated several significant achievements that showcase his talent and potential.
Multiple All-Star Selections
Young’s exceptional play has earned him multiple All-Star selections, starting with his first appearance in 2020, just his second season. He has continued to be a mainstay in the All-Star Game, solidifying his place among the league’s elite players.
2021 Eastern Conference Finals Run
One of the most memorable moments of Young’s career came in the 2021 NBA Playoffs when he led the Hawks to an unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Throughout the postseason, Young’s performance was stellar, averaging 29.1 points and 9.5 assists per game. His clutch shot-making and leadership were pivotal in the Hawks’ upset victories, including a game-winning shot against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
NBA All-Rookie First Team
In his first season, Young was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, a testament to his immediate impact on the league. His ability to play at such a high level from the outset of his career highlighted his poise, talent, and readiness for the NBA.
Impact on the Atlanta Hawks
Since he arrived in Atlanta, Trae Young has become the face of the franchise. His leadership, scoring ability, and playmaking have transformed the Hawks into a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. Under his guidance, the Hawks have not only become a playoff contender but have also seen their overall offensive efficiency improve significantly.
Young’s relationships with his teammates have been a key factor in the team’s success. He has developed a strong chemistry with Clint Capela in the pick-and-roll and has helped elevate the play of shooters like Bogdan Bogdanović and John Collins.
Criticisms and Areas for Improvement
Despite his success, Trae Young has faced some criticisms, particularly regarding his defense. Standing at just 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 164 pounds, Young’s size can be a liability when defending bigger, stronger players. However, over the years, Young has made a conscious effort to improve his defensive game, and his competitive spirit continues to shine through in all facets of his play.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Trae Young
As of the 2024 NBA season, Trae Young remains one of the most exciting players in the league. His unique combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership makes him a central figure in the NBA’s future. While leading the Hawks to an NBA championship remains a work in progress, Young’s talent and determination have already ensured his place among the league’s brightest stars.
The city of Atlanta has embraced Young as its leader, and with his continued growth as a player, there’s little doubt that he will continue to be one of the league’s most dominant and dynamic point guards for years to come.
Trae Young’s rise in the NBA has been swift, impressive, and filled with milestones. From his high school days to his emergence as an NBA star, Young has consistently demonstrated his elite skills, work ethic, and basketball intelligence. His scoring, passing, and leadership have made him one of the most exciting players in the NBA today, and while the future may hold even greater achievements, his legacy as one of the league’s top point guards is already solidified. Whether or not he leads the Hawks to an NBA championship, Trae Young’s influence on the game will be felt for years to come.
FAQs:-
Who is Trae Young?
Trae Young is a professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. He plays as a point guard and is known for his exceptional ball-handling, scoring ability, and playmaking skills. Young entered the NBA in 2018 after a standout season at the University of Oklahoma, where he led the NCAA in both points and assists.
How tall is Trae Young?
Trae Young is listed at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall, which is considered below-average height for an NBA player, especially for a point guard. Despite his height, his skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ make him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
What is Trae Young’s career average?
As of the 2024 season, Trae Young’s career averages are:
Points per game: 26.2
Assists per game: 9.3
Rebounds per game: 3.9
Steals per game: 0.9
He has consistently been one of the top scorers and playmakers in the league since his debut.
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