In the world of the NBA, Trae Young stands out not only for his scoring ability but also for his unique skill set that often flies under the radar. As a guard for the Atlanta Hawks, Young has quickly made a name for himself since being drafted in 2018. While his deep shooting range and playmaking abilities are well-documented, there are several underrated skills in his game that deserve more attention. This article will explore these skills and provide insights into how they contribute to his success on the court.
1. Court Vision and Basketball IQ
While many fans recognize Young for his assists and playmaking ability, his court vision is often underestimated. Young possesses a remarkable ability to read defenses and anticipate plays before they unfold. His basketball IQ allows him to make split-second decisions that can change the game’s dynamics.
- Anticipation of Defensive Movements: Young often sees passing lanes that others do not. He can predict how defenders will react, allowing him to deliver pinpoint passes to his teammates.
- Understanding of Offensive Spacing: Young has an innate sense of how to manipulate defenses by creating space for his teammates. This understanding enables him to maximize the effectiveness of his team’s offensive sets.
- Reading Pick-and-Roll Situations: His ability to read defenses during pick-and-roll plays is exceptional. Young can quickly assess whether to pass, shoot, or drive based on how defenders react to screens.
For example, in a game against the Brooklyn Nets, Young executed a brilliant behind-the-back pass to John Collins, who was cutting to the basket. This play not only showcased Young’s passing ability but also highlighted his understanding of defensive rotations and how to exploit them effectively.
2. Off-Ball Movement
Another underrated aspect of Trae Young’s game is his off-ball movement. While he is often the primary ball-handler, Young is also adept at moving without the ball to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
- Use of Screens: Young effectively uses screens set by his teammates to create separation from defenders. His quick footwork allows him to navigate around picks, often leading to open shots or easier passing lanes.
- Cutting to the Basket: Young is not just a perimeter shooter; he understands when to cut to the basket. His timing and awareness can catch defenders off-guard, leading to easy layups or dunks.
- Creating Space: By constantly moving, Young forces defenders to stay alert, which can lead to mismatches or open shots for teammates.
This skill was particularly evident during the 2021 playoffs when Young’s ability to move off the ball created several opportunities for his teammates, contributing to the Hawks’ deep playoff run.
3. Defensive Prowess
While Trae Young is often criticized for his defensive shortcomings, he has developed several underrated defensive skills that contribute to his team’s success. His defensive play has improved significantly since entering the league.
- Effort and Energy: Young plays with a high motor on defense. While he may not be the most physically imposing defender, his hustle can disrupt opposing players and lead to turnovers.
- Stealing: Young possesses quick hands and excellent timing, allowing him to create steals. He averaged 1.0 steals per game in the 2021-2022 season, a statistic that speaks to his ability to create turnovers.
- Positioning: He has improved his defensive positioning, making it harder for opponents to penetrate the lane. By anticipating plays and positioning himself correctly, he can impact the game without being an elite physical defender.
For instance, during a game against the Miami Heat, Young managed to secure a critical steal in the final moments, showcasing his ability to make clutch defensive plays when it matters most.
4. Leadership and Clutch Performance
Leadership is often an intangible quality that isn’t quantified by statistics, yet it plays a significant role in a player’s impact on the game. Trae Young has emerged as a leader for the Hawks, especially in high-pressure situations.
- Clutch Scoring: Young has demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure, often taking over games in the fourth quarter. His scoring average in clutch situations has consistently ranked amongst the best in the league.
- Encouraging Teammates: Young often communicates with his teammates, encouraging them and helping to maintain morale during tough stretches of games.
- Making Key Plays: In critical moments, Young has shown a knack for making crucial plays, whether through scoring or setting up his teammates for easy baskets.
One memorable instance of his leadership came during Game 1 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. Young scored 48 points and directed his team with poise, leading the Hawks to a stunning victory on the road.
5. Exceptional Free-Throw Shooting
Free-throw shooting is often overlooked in discussions about a player’s skill set, but it can be a game-changer, especially in close contests. Trae Young’s proficiency from the charity stripe is a significant asset for his team.
- High Percentage: Young consistently shoots over 85% from the free-throw line, making him a reliable option in late-game situations where every point counts.
- Drawing Fouls: His ability to draw fouls is remarkable. Young knows how to initiate contact while driving to the basket, often resulting in trips to the free-throw line.
- Game Management: By converting free throws, Young can help manage the game’s tempo and put pressure on opposing teams who need to play catch-up.
In the 2020-2021 season, Young averaged 8.7 free-throw attempts per game, showcasing his ability to get to the line and convert those opportunities into points.
While Trae Young is frequently lauded for his scoring and playmaking, his most underrated skills play a crucial role in his overall impact on the game. His court vision, off-ball movement, improved defense, leadership, and free-throw shooting are all facets of his game that deserve more recognition. As Young continues to develop and refine his skills, fans and analysts alike should take note of these aspects that contribute to his success and the Atlanta Hawks’ competitive edge. Recognizing these underrated skills not only enhances our appreciation for his game but also provides insights into what makes him one of the most exciting players in the league today.
