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Trae Young: Draft Year And His Journey To The NBA

AuraInsider December 02, 2024

Trae Young, a name that has become synonymous with rising talent in the world of basketball, made headlines during his draft year in 2018. As a standout player from the University of Oklahoma, Young captivated fans and scouts alike with his exceptional skills on the court. His draft year was not just a pivotal moment in his career, but it also marked the beginning of a new era for the Atlanta Hawks, who selected him with the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft.

In this article, we will delve deep into Trae Young's journey during his draft year, including his college performance, the NBA draft process, and how he has evolved as a player since joining the league. We will also explore the impact of his selection on the Atlanta Hawks and the expectations that came with it.

Join us as we take a closer look at Trae Young's draft year, his accomplishments, and what the future holds for this young superstar.

Biography of Trae Young
College Performance and Statistics
The NBA Draft Process
Impact on the Atlanta Hawks
Post-Draft Career
Trae Young's Playing Style
Challenges and Achievements
The Future of Trae Young
Conclusion

Biography of Trae Young

Trae Young was born on September 19, 1998, in Lubbock, Texas. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, which played a crucial role in his development as a basketball player. His father, Rayford Young, was a former college basketball player, which inspired Trae to pursue the sport seriously from a young age.

Data Personal	Detail
Full Name	Trae Young
Date of Birth	September 19, 1998
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight	180 lb (82 kg)
College	University of Oklahoma
NBA Team	Atlanta Hawks
Draft Year	2018

College Performance and Statistics

During his time at the University of Oklahoma, Trae Young emerged as one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball history. In his freshman season (2017-2018), he led the NCAA in scoring and assists, averaging an impressive 27.4 points and 8.7 assists per game. His ability to shoot from long range and create plays made him a must-watch player.

Here are some key statistics from Trae Young's college career:

Points per game: 27.4
Assists per game: 8.7
Field goal percentage: 42.2%
Three-point percentage: 36.1%
Free throw percentage: 88.5%

Young's exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year award and a consensus First-Team All-American selection. His electrifying play style and remarkable skills made him a top prospect heading into the NBA draft.

The NBA Draft Process

The 2018 NBA Draft was one of the most anticipated events in recent basketball history, with Trae Young being one of the standout prospects. As the draft approached, teams were eager to secure a player with his unique skill set.

On June 21, 2018, the Atlanta Hawks selected Trae Young with the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft. This decision was met with a mixture of excitement and skepticism, as the franchise hoped that Young could be the cornerstone of their rebuilding efforts.

The Atlanta Hawks traded their third overall pick, Luka Dončić, to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Young and a future first-round pick. This trade would go on to be a significant topic of discussion among basketball analysts, as both players have developed into stars in their own right.

Impact on the Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young's arrival in Atlanta marked a new chapter for the Hawks. From the moment he stepped onto the court, he showcased his ability to score, distribute, and lead the team. His unique playing style, characterized by deep three-point shooting and creative passing, quickly endeared him to fans.

In his rookie season, Young averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per game, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His performance helped invigorate the franchise and drew attention to the Hawks' rebuilding efforts.

Post-Draft Career

Since being drafted, Trae Young has continued to develop into one of the NBA's premier guards. He has consistently improved his scoring and playmaking abilities, establishing himself as a leader on the team.

In the 2020-2021 season, Young led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the league. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations has made him a fan favorite and a player to watch in the coming years.

Trae Young's Playing Style

Trae Young's playing style is often compared to that of NBA legends such as Stephen Curry and Chris Paul. His exceptional shooting range, ball-handling skills, and court vision allow him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Some key aspects of Young's playing style include:

Deep shooting: Young's ability to shoot from beyond the arc stretches defenses, creating spacing for his teammates.
Playmaking: His excellent vision and passing ability allow him to set up teammates for easy baskets.
Isolation plays: Young is adept at creating his own shot, making him a constant threat on the offensive end.

Challenges and Achievements

Like any young player in the NBA, Trae Young has faced his share of challenges. Adjusting to the physicality of the league and dealing with defensive schemes designed to limit his effectiveness have been significant hurdles. However, his resilience and work ethic have allowed him to overcome these obstacles.

Among his achievements, Young has been selected to multiple NBA All-Star games and has consistently been among the league leaders in points and assists. His impact on the court has made him a valuable asset for the Atlanta Hawks.

The Future of Trae Young

As Trae Young continues to develop as a player, the future looks bright for both him and the Atlanta Hawks. With his work ethic and dedication to improving his game, there is no doubt that he will remain a key figure in the NBA for years to come.

Fans can expect to see Young continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on the basketball court, and his journey will undoubtedly be one to watch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Trae Young's draft year in 2018 marked the beginning of an exciting journey for both him and the Atlanta Hawks. His exceptional skills, work ethic, and leadership qualities have made him a prominent figure in the NBA. As he continues to evolve as a player, fans can look forward to witnessing his growth and impact on the game.

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