LAS VEGAS — Trae Young continues to be one of the most intriguing players in the NBA, igniting mixed opinions from fans and analysts alike. On one hand, his supporters can point to impressive statistics that categorize him as an elite athlete. Conversely, his critics argue that these numbers are misleading, suggesting he may be overrated. Both viewpoints have merit, as the player’s confident demeanor can be seen as charming by some while bothersome to others.
What stands out without debate is Young’s role in propelling Atlanta into a surprising narrative this season. The Hawks have reached the semifinals of the NBA Cup and are set to compete against the Milwaukee Bucks this Saturday, with the other semifinal involving Oklahoma City and Houston. The championship match will follow on Tuesday night.
Quin Snyder, coach of the Hawks, describes Young’s journey as one of transformation. “When we discuss Trae, I like to use the word evolution,” Snyder remarked. “All players change over time, albeit in different ways. He has been pivotal in nurturing the development of our younger players and helping elevate their games.”
Throughout Young’s seven-year tenure, the Hawks have faced limited high-stakes situations. Nevertheless, he has repeatedly stepped up during critical moments, such as leading the team to eliminate New York during the 2021 playoffs and defeating the Knicks again to advance to Vegas. This Saturday presents another prime opportunity for Young to shine on national television as they take on the Bucks for a potential trophy shot.
Young shared his perspective on the team’s mindset, stating, “I believe we’ve embraced every challenge from the start of the season. We’ve tried not to look too far ahead. We’re focused on taking it one day at a time. Despite facing early-season struggles and injuries, we’ve committed to the process.”
From a statistical standpoint, Young’s performance remains noteworthy: he averages 21 points and 12 assists, a feat only matched by legends like Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas during a full season. This season, he is on track to lead the league in assists for the very first time. However, there’s also a counterpoint to consider: among players with over 50 attempts at 3-pointers, he ranks 189th at a 30.8% success rate. In terms of overall field goals, he stands 231st with 38.4% shooting from the field.
The debate surrounding Young makes for a compelling narrative, especially given his apparent growth and maturity following his disappointment over not being selected for the USA Basketball team at the recent Paris Olympics. Bucks coach Doc Rivers acknowledged Young’s evolving gameplay, saying, “He’s making strides on both ends. He’s found a way to strategically keep himself out of certain plays, which is no small task, and he executes it admirably. His dedication to studying and improving shows, and he’s gained the trust of his teammates—there’s a visible bond that wasn’t there before.”
Hawks forward Jalen Johnson affirmed Rivers’ statements: “He’s incredible. Watching him in action, both on TV and in person before joining the Hawks, was astonishing. A player of his stature has such a natural talent for scoring and passing—it’s something special to experience firsthand. His ability to handle clutch moments is remarkable, and being his teammate is truly a blessing.”
The upcoming Saturday matchup serves as a prime opportunity for Young to showcase his talents, with no other games slated for that day. If the Hawks manage to secure another win over the Bucks, additional eyes will undoubtedly be on him during the title game Tuesday night, which also doesn’t count towards regular-season standings. This season, the Hawks have demonstrated strong performances against top Eastern Conference teams, holding a 3-1 record against Cleveland and Boston, and a 1-0 record against Milwaukee.
The potential both for the Hawks and for Young has always been evident, and this season, it seems that potential is finally coming to fruition. “The narratives about my capabilities or my frustrations simply aren’t accurate,” Young explained. “With our young squad, you are now starting to see our growth, as the results speak for themselves. We’ve reached the final four of the Cup, and that’s a significant achievement for us.”
