Trae Young's Draft Journey: A Star In The Making

The NBA draft is always a thrilling time for basketball fans. We get to see the next generation of talent find their homes and begin their professional careers. One player whose draft story is particularly interesting is none other than Trae Young. This dude has become one of the most exciting players in the league, and his journey to the NBA was full of twists and turns. Let's dive deep into the story of how Trae Young became a top pick and how his career has unfolded since then.

The Buzz Before the Draft

Before even thinking about the NBA, Trae Young was already a sensation at the University of Oklahoma. During his single season with the Sooners, Young put up crazy numbers, leading the nation in both scoring and assists. Guys, his performances were so good that he was often compared to Steph Curry. I mean, who wouldn't be hyped about a player with that kind of potential? His incredible range, flashy passing, and overall court vision made him a must-watch player.

However, with all the hype came the doubts. Some scouts were worried about his size and whether he could hold up defensively against bigger, stronger NBA players. Concerns were also raised about whether his incredible college stats would translate to the pros, where the game is faster and more physical. Despite these concerns, it was clear that Young had the potential to be a game-changer, and NBA teams were definitely taking notice. The pre-draft process was intense, with Young participating in workouts and interviews, trying to convince teams that he was worth the risk. And let me tell you, the dude has charisma for days; he certainly left a lasting impression on everyone he met. All these factors played into where he would eventually land on draft night. He was projected to be a lottery pick. But the exact spot was still up in the air, making the draft night all the more exciting for Young and his fans.

Draft Night Drama: Hawks Trade for Young

Draft night is always full of surprises, and the 2018 NBA Draft was no exception. Trae Young was initially drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the fifth overall pick. But, in a move that would reshape the future of both franchises, the Mavericks traded Young to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Luka Dončić, who was selected third overall. This trade was one of the most talked-about moments of the draft, and it immediately put Young under the spotlight. The Hawks were betting big on Young becoming their franchise player, hoping he could bring excitement back to Atlanta.

The pressure was on, no doubt about it. Being traded for another top prospect like Dončić added another layer of expectation. Everyone was going to be comparing these two players for years to come. For Young, this meant he had to prove he was worth the Hawks' investment. The Hawks saw Young as the perfect fit for their rebuilding process. They needed a dynamic point guard who could score, create plays, and lead the team. Young fit that description perfectly, and the Hawks were confident that he could be the centerpiece of their future. The trade was a bold move, but one that the Hawks believed would pay off in the long run. The decision to trade for Young was heavily scrutinized, with many questioning whether he could live up to the hype. Only time would tell if the Hawks made the right choice, but one thing was certain: Trae Young was ready to prove his worth.

Early Career Struggles and Breakthrough

Trae Young's rookie season had its ups and downs, as is typical for most young players entering the NBA. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he also struggled with consistency and efficiency. There were nights when he looked like a future All-Star, hitting deep threes and making incredible passes. Then there were other nights when he struggled with turnovers and couldn't find his shot. Despite the inconsistencies, Young showed tremendous potential, and it was clear that he had the work ethic and determination to improve. He averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per game in his rookie season, which were respectable numbers, but he knew he could do better. He spent countless hours in the gym, working on his shooting, ball-handling, and overall game.

His second season was a major turning point. Young took a huge leap, increasing his scoring average to nearly 30 points per game and becoming one of the league's most exciting offensive players. He earned his first All-Star selection and silenced many of his doubters. It was during this season that Young truly established himself as the face of the Hawks franchise. He led the team in scoring and assists, and his electrifying performances drew fans to the arena. Guys, his confidence soared, and he started playing with a swagger that was infectious. The Hawks were still a young team, but with Young leading the way, they were starting to show signs of becoming a force in the Eastern Conference. The breakthrough season was a testament to Young's hard work and dedication, and it solidified his place among the league's elite players. This dude proved he could not only score but also lead a team, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the future.

Leading the Hawks to the Playoffs

In the 2020-2021 season, Trae Young led the Atlanta Hawks to their first playoff appearance since 2017. This was a huge accomplishment for both Young and the franchise. He proved that he could not only put up big numbers but also lead a team to success. The Hawks entered the playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and faced the New York Knicks in the first round. Young embraced the playoff atmosphere, delivering clutch performances and silencing the notoriously tough New York crowd. The Hawks defeated the Knicks in five games, with Young averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists in the series.

Next, they faced the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. Despite being underdogs, the Hawks pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the Sixers in seven games. Young continued to shine, averaging 28.8 points and 9.3 assists in the series. His performance against the Sixers cemented his status as a true superstar in the league. The Hawks' playoff run came to an end in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks in six games. However, the experience of making it that far in the playoffs was invaluable for Young and the team. The playoff run showed that Young was capable of leading a team to compete at the highest level. It also instilled a sense of belief in the Hawks' organization that they could contend for a championship in the years to come. This period marked a significant chapter in Young's career, solidifying his reputation as a leader and a clutch performer.

Trae Young's Impact and Legacy

Trae Young has had a significant impact on the Atlanta Hawks and the NBA as a whole. His electrifying style of play has made the Hawks one of the most exciting teams to watch. He has also inspired a new generation of young players with his incredible shooting range and playmaking ability. Off the court, Young has been involved in various charitable initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community. He has quickly become a role model for young athletes. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to use his platform to make a positive impact have earned him respect both on and off the court.

Looking ahead, Trae Young has the potential to achieve even greater things in his career. He is still young and has plenty of room to grow as a player. If he continues to work hard and develop his game, he could become one of the all-time greats. His journey from a highly touted draft pick to a bona fide superstar is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and determination. Whether he brings a championship to Atlanta or not, his impact on the game is undeniable, and his legacy is still being written. Trae Young has shown that he is not just a scorer but a leader, a playmaker, and an inspiration to many. His story is a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.