In the dynamic world of the NBA, Trae Young has emerged as a household name, captivating fans and analysts alike. But what exactly has propelled this young athlete into the spotlight? Let's delve into the various aspects of Trae Young's career that have contributed to his fame.
College Dominance
Trae Young's journey to stardom began at the University of Oklahoma. During the 2017 - 18 season, he had a remarkable college basketball campaign. He became the first player in NCAA Division I history to lead the league in both scoring and assists in the same season. Averaging an astonishing 27.4 points and 8.7 assists per game, Young showcased his incredible offensive skills and court vision. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, including his signature long - range three - pointers, and his knack for setting up his teammates made him a force to be reckoned with at the college level. This outstanding performance earned him a spot on the NCAA All - American First Team and the USBWA National Freshman of the Year award, drawing significant attention from the basketball world and setting the stage for his future in the pros.
NBA Draft and Rookie Season
Despite concerns about his relatively small stature and ability to adapt to the physicality of the NBA, Trae Young was selected with the 5th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. However, he was soon traded to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a deal that sent Luka Dončić to the Mavericks. This trade immediately put Young under the microscope, as comparisons between him and Dončić were inevitable.
In his rookie season, Young faced a slow start. His shooting percentages were not up to par, and he struggled to find his rhythm. But as the season progressed, he began to show flashes of his potential. He started to heat up, especially after the All - Star break, averaging 24.7 points per game. By the end of the season, he had adjusted well to the NBA game and was named to the All - Rookie First Team, finishing second in the Rookie of the Year voting behind Dončić. This strong finish to his rookie year was a sign of things to come and helped him gain recognition within the league.
Rising Star in the NBA
In the 2019 - 20 season, Trae Young took a huge leap forward. His scoring average skyrocketed to 29.6 points per game, and he also dished out 9.3 assists per game. He had several memorable performances, including a 45 - point, 14 - assist game against the Washington Wizards, where he paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant by wearing the number 8 for the first 8 seconds of the game. He also notched his first career 50 - point game against the Miami Heat. These performances, along with his overall high - level play, led to him being selected as an All - Star for the first time in his career. His ability to put up big numbers night in and night out made him one of the most exciting young players in the league and significantly increased his popularity among fans.
Playoff Heroics and Villainous Reputation
The 2020 - 21 season was a turning point for Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. The team had a rough start but turned things around under new head coach Nate McMillan. In the playoffs, Young became a household name, especially during the Hawks' first - round series against the New York Knicks. Despite facing intense hostility from the Madison Square Garden crowd, who chanted "Fuck Trae Young" throughout the games, Young thrived. He hit a game - winning shot in Game 1 and later, after hitting a long three - pointer to seal the series win in Game 5, he made a controversial gesture, bowing to the New York crowd. This led to him being seen as a villain in New York but endeared him to Hawks fans and many others around the league who admired his ability to perform under pressure.
He continued his strong playoff run, leading the Hawks to upset the top - seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. In the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, he had a monster game in Game 1, scoring 48 points. Although he suffered an ankle injury in Game 3, his performances in the playoffs firmly established him as a star player in the NBA and made him a subject of intense media coverage.
Consistent All - Star Performances and Statistical Feats
In the 2021 - 22 season, Trae Young was once again selected as an All - Star. He had a career - high 56 - point game against the Portland Trail Blazers. By the end of the season, he became only the second player in NBA history, after Nate Archibald, to lead the league in both total points and total assists in a single season. This incredible statistical achievement further solidified his status as one of the best players in the league.
In the 2022 - 23 season, he continued to be a dominant force, leading the league in assists for the second consecutive season. His ability to consistently put up high - scoring games and dish out a large number of assists has made him a must - watch player, drawing in fans who appreciate his offensive wizardry.
Unconventional Playing Style
Trae Young's playing style is one of the main reasons for his fame. He has an extremely long shooting range, often taking three - point shots from well beyond the NBA's already extended three - point line. His fearlessness in taking these deep shots has made him a trendsetter, inspiring other players to be more adventurous with their long - range shooting. Additionally, his court vision and passing skills are top - notch. He has a knack for finding open teammates in the most difficult of situations, whether it's threading the needle through traffic or making no - look passes. His ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates makes him a unique and exciting player to watch.
Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement
In today's digital age, social media plays a significant role in an athlete's popularity, and Trae Young has embraced this platform. He is active on various social media channels, sharing glimpses of his life on and off the court. His interactions with fans, whether it's through Q&A sessions, behind - the - scenes content, or simply reacting to fan comments, have helped him build a strong connection with his supporters. His charismatic personality shines through on social media, making him relatable to a wide range of fans, from die - hard basketball enthusiasts to casual viewers who are drawn to his larger - than - life persona.
Conclusion
Trae Young's fame is the result of a combination of factors. His outstanding performances at the college level, his rapid rise in the NBA, his memorable playoff moments, his unique playing style, and his strong social media presence have all contributed to making him one of the most famous and talked - about players in the NBA today. As he continues to develop and lead the Atlanta Hawks, it's safe to say that Trae Young's star will only continue to rise, captivating audiences around the world for years to come.