Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has developed into one of the best players in the NBA in just his second season, but he stays motivated thanks in part to those who cast doubt on him throughout his basketball life.
Young said he was always considered the undersized kid just trying to fit in when he was younger, saying those memories continue to fuel him even amid his current superstardom.
A message from Trae Young!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀#JrNBAatHome | #NBATogether pic.twitter.com/k8QPviFCWP— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) March 29, 2020
Young has certainly overcome any concerns about his height or slender frame, although the doubters have been there for the ride.
The NBADRAFT.net scouting website specifically listed Young's size and short wingspan as weaknesses in terms of his ability to excel in the NBA:
Weaknesses: Young does not have ideal size at 6-2 or length with just a 6-2 wingspan for an NBA guard … These physical limitations can become apparent once he gets all the way to the rim … He lacks the length and vertical explosiveness to finish through NBA length and athleticism and does not project as an efficient scorer at the basket in the NBA.
Initially, those fears appeared valid. Young struggled to be an efficient offensive player in his first couple of months with the Hawks. But ever since January of 2019, Young has gone supernova on the rest of the league.
The 21-year-old Hawks point guard was having a ridiculous offensive campaign prior to the suspension of play, averaging 29.6 points, 9.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds while shooting over 36 percent from beyond the arc through his first 60 games.
The recognition and accolades are nice, but Trae Young has never let go of the young kid who was repeatedly considered to be too small.
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