Trae Young’s Crucial Crossroads: The Pressure of Winning with a Perfect Support Staff

The NBA is a league where success is often measured by the ability to build a championship-caliber team around a star player. For Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks, this season presents a pivotal moment. With a roster that seems tailor-made to support Young’s strengths, the pressure is on for him to deliver consistent wins and prove he is more than just a “good-stats-bad-team” player.

One of the most significant additions to the Hawks’ roster is the return of Jalen Johnson. Johnson, who suffered a torn labrum early last season, is a budding All-Star with clear chemistry with Young. According to Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta outscored opponents by more than six points per 100 possessions when Young and Johnson were on the floor together last season. This combination of offensive prowess and defensive potential is crucial for the Hawks’ success.

The Hawks have bolstered their defense with the addition of players like Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Zaccharie Risacher. Daniels, who had nearly 100 more steals than any other player last season, provides a strong perimeter defense. Alexander-Walker, a prized acquisition this summer, adds depth and versatility to the defensive lineup. Risacher, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, showed promise down the stretch last year and is expected to contribute significantly.

The Hawks have also added Onyeka Okongwu and Kristaps Porziņģis to their roster. Porziņģis, in particular, is a valuable asset who held opponents to a 42% conversion rate as the primary defender last season. This level of defense is crucial for protecting Young, who has often been a target for opposing offenses due to his defensive limitations.

The Hawks’ offensive strategy revolves around creating spacing and opportunities for Young to excel. Porziņģis, with his ability to stretch the floor to 30-plus feet on pick-and-pops, and Luke Kennard, who has shot a Steph Curry-like 43% from 3 over eight NBA seasons, provide the perfect complements to Young’s playmaking abilities. This kind of spacing allows Young to find open lanes and create high-percentage shots for his teammates.

For the Hawks to succeed offensively, Young needs to be more than just a scorer. His playmaking skills are unparalleled, but he must also improve his ball movement when he doesn’t have the ball. Moving off the ball and creating opportunities for teammates is essential for a balanced offense. This is an area where Young can learn from players like Stephen Curry, who have transformed their games to become better defenders and more dynamic off-ball players.

With the Hawks expected to offer Young a max contract extension, the pressure is on for him to prove his worth. Handing out max money to players who consistently underperform in the playoffs can be a recipe for disaster. Young’s career playoff performance, with a shooting percentage barely above 40% and a 29% clip from 3-point range, raises questions about his ability to lead a team to a championship.

Last summer, there was speculation that the Hawks would be open to trading Young, but there wasn’t much of a trade market. This uncertainty stems from the broader question of whether Young is truly a winning player. Teams are hesitant to invest heavily in players who have not shown consistent success in the playoffs.

A: Trae Young has had a mixed performance in the playoffs. While he has had moments of brilliance, his overall shooting percentage is barely above 40%, with a 29% clip from 3-point range over 37 career playoff games.

A: The Hawks have added several key players, including Jalen Johnson, who is returning from injury, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Kristaps Porziņģis. These additions are aimed at providing defensive support and offensive versatility around Young.

A: Trae Young’s playstyle is similar to other star point guards like Luka Doncic and James Harden, who are known for their offensive brilliance but have faced questions about their defensive contributions. Young’s ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates is unparalleled, but his defensive limitations have been a point of contention.

A: The max contract extension is a significant decision for the Hawks. It represents a commitment to Young as their franchise player and a belief in his ability to lead the team to a championship. However, it also comes with the risk of investing heavily in a player who has not yet proven his ability to consistently win in the playoffs.

A: Kristaps Porziņģis provides valuable frontline protection for the Hawks. His ability to defend the rim and stretch the floor with his shooting creates a dynamic defensive presence. This allows the Hawks to better protect Young and mitigate the defensive liabilities that come with his playstyle.

The upcoming season is a critical juncture for Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. With a roster that has been specifically built to support Young’s strengths, the pressure is on for him to deliver consistent wins and prove he is a championship-caliber player. The addition of key players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Kristaps Porziņģis provides the Hawks with the defensive and offensive tools they need to succeed. However, it is ultimately up to Young to step up and lead his team to victory. The next few months will be a defining period in Young’s career, and the entire NBA will be watching closely to see if he can finally answer the question of whether he is truly a winning player.