Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard has been impressed with the growth Atlanta Hawks rookie Trae Young has shown this season.

Young got off to a slow start, but he didn't let those tough times affect his confidence and love for the game. The Hawks' floor general stayed composed and just kept working on his game.

The results have been stellar, as Young has had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory. Lillard has been paying attention from afar, and he has nothing but praise for the young playmaker.

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“I think his growth from the beginning of the season until now is the most impressive thing,” Lillard said, via Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. “For rookies coming in, the game is faster. Guys are more athletic and longer. So you have to figure out how to get to your spots, how to manipulate the defense to make plays.

“Being a small guard, you have to figure out how to use your body and use your quickness and be crafty. He’s grown in that area. You’ve seen that growth and that production and their team is playing better. It’s impressive. He’s had a good year.”

Trae Young hasn't missed a game all season for the Hawks. The 20-year-old is averaging 19.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Damian Lillard knows first-hand the pressure that comes with being a top pick. If he's impressed with Young, we all should be too.