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Trae Young established himself as a premier playmaker during his debut campaign with the Atlanta Hawks.
Following a high-profile draft night trade for Luka Dončić on June 21, 2018, the 6’2” point guard overcame skepticism regarding his size to become a cornerstone of the Hawks’ rebuild. Young’s rookie season saw him record 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per game, earning a unanimous selection to the 2018-19 NBA All-Rookie First Team and a runner-up finish for Rookie of the Year.
- Young’s ball-handling proficiency allows him to generate space for perimeter shots and manipulate professional defenses through the pick-and-roll.
- His repertoire includes a signature mid-range floater used to neutralize taller rim protectors once he penetrates the paint.
The Anatomy of an Elite Ball-Handler
Young’s transition from a record-breaking college freshman at the University of Oklahoma to an NBA threat centered on his ability to blend elite dribbling with court vision. Draft analysts noted his capacity to hit shots from distance off varied dribble moves rather than relying solely on catch-and-shoot opportunities. His compact shooting release forces defenders to commit closely on the perimeter, creating the lanes he exploits with his speed and crossovers.
Young averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per game during his debut season, finishing as a runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award.
Technical Versatility on the Floor
The #NBAHandlesWeek feature highlights the technical nuances of Young’s playstyle throughout his first professional season. By utilizing signature maneuvers such as the Shammgod against the Washington Wizards, a double-cross against the Denver Nuggets, and a behind-the-back crossover against the Charlotte Hornets, Young demonstrated a high basketball IQ that kept defenders off balance. He further complemented these aggressive maneuvers with a hesitation move, deployed effectively against the Miami Heat to set up drives to the rim.
Establishing the Hawks’ Future
With the Hawks set to tip off their preseason slate against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 7, the focus shifts to how Young integrates newly acquired veterans like Evan Turner and Allen Crabbe into his high-usage playmaking scheme.
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