The Atlanta Hawks are coming off an inspired run last season, as the unheralded squad went all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before bowing out to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks.
At the forefront of the surprising surge was fireball guard Trae Young, who has truly become arguably the biggest face of the Hawks since Dominique Wilkins. The prolific playmaker was already a talent when he entered the NBA in 2018. But last season was a turning point for him.
Young has always been viewed as a selfish player. But with the midseason arrival of coach Nate McMillan, Young understood that he needed to improve his decision-making to lift the Hawks over the hump. McMillan likened the All-Star guard to a fast car, especially during his early days with the team (via Sports Illustrated).
“He's got one of those fast cars. You can't drive that car the same way on a sunny day as you can when it's raining and snowing out there. And he was playing fast. He was taking the same shots that he was taking in the first quarter and in the fourth quarter. He wasn't adapting to conditions.”
McMillan, who will have his first full season with the Hawks, has instilled in Young the importance of trusting his teammates more, using Michael Jordan as an example.
“It's similar to Michael Jordan when he first came into the league. He started to trust his teammates. And then he started winning championships.”
While the Hawks will be hardpressed to win the NBA title this season, a more mature Young and a returning core will surely better their chances.
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