NBA Draft 2018: Way too early Rookie of the Year rankings

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Trae Young speaks to the media after being selected fifth overall at the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kostas Lymperopoulos/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 21: Mountain Dew Courtside Correspondent, Donovan Mitchell speaks to NBA Draft Prospect, Trae Young on the Mountain Dew Kickstart Green Carpet at the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jon Lopez/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Trae Young

It might have been a stretch for Atlanta to use the No. 5 pick to take Young, but it is a reflection of how much they believe in his ability. In other words, it’s safe to assume the Hawks are going to give him a lot of time with the ball in his hands next season.

After all, that’s unquestionably Young’s best potential skill. He is never going to be a lockdown defender or a tremendous creator for others. His job in the NBA is going to be to score lots of points. Players who do that as rookies tend to get a lot of attention from ROY voters.

The one thing that could throw a wrench in Young’s plans would be if Atlanta try to bring him along slowly behind incumbent point guard starter Dennis Schroeder. The young German has some talent, but it seems like Travis Schlenk is ready to get rid of him. Don’t be surprised if Young starts the year as Atlanta’s starting point guard.

The team isn’t blessed with a plethora of offensive talent. A lot is going to be required of Young if the Hawks are going to be anything resembling a competitive NBA franchise. Expect him to put up a ton of points in losing efforts for Atlanta next season. The sheer volume of points he’ll score will make him a legitimate ROY contender all season long.