Trae Young made the first major appearance of his post-collegiate career in ESPN's First Take, logically prompted by native New Yorker Steven A. Smith of the possibility of playing for his hometown Knicks.
The Oklahoma product replied eagerly, noting that dealing with the media during his lone breakout season in college has prepared him to face the spotlight that comes with playing in The Big Apple.
“If I was able to get drafted by the New York Knicks, it'd be a blessing,” said Young. “Being in the basketball mecca, that's one of the biggest markets in the league, if not the biggest. That would be a blessing.”
“I feel that all I went through all this year with the media and the criticism and the ups and downs. I feel like that prepared me for if I was in a situation like that and how I'd be able to handle it.”
Trae Young says on @FirstTake it’d be a “blessing” to play for the Knicks.
Thinks all the media coverage he got this year prepared him. pic.twitter.com/F49iR02sNZ
— Thomas Duffy (@TJDhoops) March 21, 2018
The spotlight between a talented player in college and a rookie in the NBA are vastly different, especially when it comes to being in New York — a completely different monster than any other media market around.
Young is projected to be drafted ninth, according to the latest ESPN mock draft, and the Knicks fittingly sport the ninth-worst record in the league, which could put them in line to draft him when it's all said and done.
The 6-foot-2, 179-pound Young led the nation in scoring and assists, and has drawn comparisons to two-time MVP Stephen Curry due to his slight frame and strong shooting abilities. He declared for the NBA Draft on Tuesday following a first-round exit during an overtime loss to the Rhode Island Rams in the NCAA Tournament.
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