Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young believes he deserves to win Rookie of the Year over Dallas Mavericks point-forward Luka Doncic.
Young, Doncic and Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton are the three finalists for the 2019 Rookie of the Year award. The winner will be announced at the NBA awards show Monday night.
In 81 games with the Hawks this past season, Young averaged 19.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 8.1 assists. The 20-year-old shot 41.8 percent from the field, 32.4 percent from beyond the arc and 82.9 percent from the free-throw line.
Young recorded 30 double-doubles, one triple-double, led all rookies in assists per game, was fourth in the NBA in assists per game and second in total assists with 653. Only Oklahoma City Thunder superstar point guard Russell Westbrook (784) had more assists than Young.
Doncic is widely expected to win the award despite Young's stellar season. Luka put up 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists with the Mavs. Young got off to a slow start to the season, while Doncic was pretty consistent all season long. The Hawks' floor general closed out the season better than Doncic, but the voters are likely going to take into account the early struggles of Young.
Even if he doesn't win the award, Trae Young still had a tremendous rookie year with the Hawks. The guard will just use the snub as more motivation for next season.
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