After the Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday at home, Celtics star point guard Kyrie Irving told reporters he enjoys seeing Hawks rookie point guard Trae Young prove the doubters wrong.

Young got off to a slow start to the season and the critics started calling him a bust.

However, Young didn't let the doubters get to him and he just kept working on his game. The hard work has paid off in a big way for the youngster.

Young was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in January and February.

Article Continues Below

Against the Celtics on Saturday, Young put up 26 points, four rebounds and four assists in 31 minutes. The guard entered Saturday averaging 18.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists per contest while shooting 41.1 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from beyond the arc and 82.4 percent from the free-throw line.

Irving was the No. 1 overall pick back in 2011. Uncle Drew knows the expectations and burden Young is carrying right now.

It's good to see Young playing so well right now. The Hawks have a really bright future with him at the controls and head coach Lloyd Pierce leading the way.

Atlanta is going to finish with a bad record this season, but the development of Young is the only thing that matters at this point.