Do you know how good you have to be to develop a villain arc on such a mediocre team? Trae Young’s Hawks haven’t been in the contenders circle for a while, but the diminutive point guard remains extremely fun to hate. Especially if you’re a Knicks fan. There’s just a way about Young. He gets under people’s skin. Whether it’s the head-jerk flops or the dagger late-game 3s, he enjoys ruffling feathers and crushing dreams.
- Chris Kline
FanSided Staff Writer
The book on Young is well-read and oft-recited. He can’t defend! (Not really true.) He’s too small! (Sure, but he’s still great.) He’s a ball hog! (The dude leads the NBA in assists pretty much every season at this point.) It’s easy to find ways to tear Young down, but more folks should appreciate the innate beauty in Young’s game. He’s a mesmerizing player to watch. He’s probably the most inventive live-dribble passer in the NBA. Due to his lack of size, Young needs to find more creative avenues to scoring points and setting up teammates. The dazzling handles, the quick-trigger release — it’s all quite thrilling to behold.
Young has meaningfully improved his defensive effort in recent years, even if his frame is inherently limiting. He isn’t the most efficient scorer, but his 3-point range bends defenses to their breaking point. Factor in his quickness, unbridled creativity, and unfettered confidence, and Young is an absolute winning player. Don’t get it twisted.