via Imago
Jan 29, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) dribbles the ball against Washington Wizards guard Raul Neto (19) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Jan 29, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) dribbles the ball against Washington Wizards guard Raul Neto (19) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks’ superstar Trae Young is arguably one of the best young players in the NBA. Ever since his debut in the league, the 20-year-old has cemented his position as a great scorer with his lethal three-point shooting.
After a promising debut season in 2018-19, where he averaged 19.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, Young elevated his game to another level, increasing his output by more than 10 points. For 2019-20, he averaged 29.6 points, 9.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game.
He has continued his superb form this season as well, averaging 25.7 points, 9.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. Given his incredible scoring prowess ever since his debut, Young has now joined some elite players in James Harden in an incredible record.
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Trae Young has 57 games with 20 points & 10 assists since entering the NBA 3 seasons ago. That's tied with James Harden for 2nd-most during that span.
Only LeBron James has more over that stretch with 58. pic.twitter.com/PAtqybR8Y2
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 27, 2021
In the last 3 years, he has scored at least 20 points and 10 assists in 57 games. He is now only a game away from joining LeBron James.
Given the incredible progress Young has seen in the 3 years since his debut in the NBA, it is scary to imagine his ceiling as a superstar.
Can Trae Young lead the Atlanta Hawks to a deep playoff run?
After 2 seasons without a proper supporting cast around Trae, the Hawks have finally added some quality veterans who add significant quality to their roster.
With their previous season’s trade acquisition, Clint Capela finally making his debut in the team this season, the Hawks are finally seeing a great pick and roll partner alongside Young.
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Players like DeAndre Hunter and John Collins have also excelled in their roles. New signings Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari have been great from the perimeter so far and taken a significant load off of Young.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 10, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) defends against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
But all of it depends on how Trae Young can lead this side. The 22-year-old is still the main guy, but given the number of talented players he has around him now, he has to bring his ‘A game’ in his playmaking skills.
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With quality scorers all-around him now, the 2019-20 All-Star surely has less pressure offensively. This season is certainly a make or break season for Young.
With a top-heavy roster, the Hawks should make a deep playoff run led by ‘Ice Trae.’ But if the 22-year-old doesn’t step up and lead the team, he might not be the franchise player to hold on to.
