Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson thinks Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young may be watching highlights of Houston Rockets superstar James Harden at night.
Entering Wednesday, Harden leads the league in free-throw attempts at 298. Young is sixth on the list with 146, a high number for a second-year player.
Kenny Atkinson on Trae Young's improved ability to draw free throws:
"I think he's been watching James Harden at night."
— Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) December 4, 2019
In 20 games this season for the Hawks, Young is putting up superstar numbers. He's averaging 28.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 8.3 assists while shooting 45.7 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from beyond the arc and 85.6 percent from the free-throw line.
Like Harden, opponents have to guard Young as soon as he crosses half-court. The Hawks' floor general has unlimited range. While Young may not have mastered the step-back like Harden, he's learning how to get to the free-throw line like The Beard.
Atlanta is just 5-16 on the season, 14th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Young and the Hawks talked about making the playoffs this season on media day. So far, though, Atlanta hasn't performed like a postseason team.
However, there is still plenty of time for the Hawks to turn things around. Things will get better for Atlanta on both sides of the ball when talented big man John Collins returns from his PED suspension.
Until then, Young will have to continue to shoulder the load on offense for the Hawks.
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