Here’s how Trae Young can take the next step

One of the big surprises this season was how much Trae Young improved from his rookie season. His first year was very solid; 19.1 points and 8.1 assists in 81 games with the struggling Hawks nearly got him the Rookie of the Year award, but Luka Doncic just beat him to the punch.

This season Young exploded onto the scene.

In the 60 games he was able to play, he averaged a whopping 29.6 points and 9.3 assists, enough to earn him his 1st of what looks like to be many All-Star appearances. He is electrifying on the floor thanks to his immense range, speed and ball-handling abilities. He is reminding everyone of Steph Curry, except Young is much better than Steph was at 21 years of age.

Atlanta was only 20-47 before Coronavirus hit though, so if Young is to emulate Curry and translate his skills into wins and possible titles then has some work to do going forward. Being flashy doesn’t win you titles (what happened to “Lob City”?). Substance with style is what is needed from Young going forward, and here’s how he can do it.

Shot selection

Young is already a fantastic shooter from the outside. He was averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers per game this past season and has the range we’ve come to expect from the likes of Curry and Klay Thompson.

However, Trae isn’t shooting as nearly as accurately as the 2 “Splash Brothers”. He only hit 36.1% of his 3s this past season, something that needs to improve going forward if the Hawks are to make it to the Playoffs and beyond.

Shot selection is key. Young plays at 100 miles per hour, all the time. It’s to be expected right now; he’s the best player on a Hawks team that does not have much offensive talent, so it’s up to Young to carry the load. Taking better, more efficient shots like more catch and shoot 3s instead of pull-ups will give him that efficiency that terrifies opposing defenders.

As Atlanta progresses and picks up more talent to go alongside Young, I expect him not to have to take as many difficult shots which should lead to him becoming one of the best shooters in the league.

In-between game

Young is very small by NBA standards, even as a point guard. He stands at just 6’1” and only weighs 180lbs. He is going to get pushed around a lot by stronger, more physical players as they try and contain his drives to the rim.

Young is already adept at getting fouled and knocking down free-throws. He shot 86% from the foul line and attempted 9.3 foul-shots per game. To complement his shooting and driving ability, developing an in-between game will make him virtually unguardable in the lane.

Having things like a good floater and runner will give him that extra option when he’s beaten his man but the opposing big is sagging off him. Tony Parker mastered that ability whilst he was with the Spurs and Young can do the same. Trae’s handles are so good that he always has control of the ball, so developing these in-between shots should be easy for him.

John Collins

Every ball-handling guard needs their own big man counterpart to give that 1-2 punch. Kobe had Shaq, Parker had Duncan and Trae Young has John Collins. Collins could be an All-Star next season if the Hawks can win 50%+ of their games.

Collins was averaging 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks this season on 58.3% from the floor, 40.1% from 3 and 80% from the charity stripe. He looks like a fantastic modern-day power-forward; shoots efficiently, rebounds well, athletic, can hit 3s and free-throws.

Fostering the on/off-court relationship between these 2 could see them become the top duo in the East Conference in the next few years. Collins is in his 3rd season, so he’s only 1 year older than Young. If the Hawks play things right, these 2 could become a Stockon-Malone-type duo for the next 12/13 years.

What do you think about Trae Young? Can he become a title-winning point guard in the NBA?

Let me know in the comments.