The draft-night trade between the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks last offseason has provided no shortage of discussion surrounding Trae Young and Luka Doncic. Appearing on ESPN’s The Jump on Monday afternoon, Young didn’t hesitate to voice his opinion when asked who would be the better player down the road between the two of them:

 

“In my eyes, it's not a question — it's going to be me. But that's just the competitive nature in my blood, and I think that's the no-brainer with me.”

 

After the Atlanta Hawks drafted Doncic with the 3rd overall pick, the Dallas Mavericks snagged him away, sending over Young, who was drafted 5th, and their 2019 top 5 protected first round pick. Doncic is having a remarkable year and looking like the obvious favorite for Rookie of the Year, but Young has impressed many, as well. Playing 29.8 minutes per game, Young is averaging 16.2 poinss, 7.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 3’s, and 0.9 steals.

While Doncic found his way to a Dallas team that was more ready-built for immediate success, Atlanta knew Young would take some time to get acclimated to the league. His 3-point shot, which impressed many people when he was at Oklahoma, hasn’t been too hot this season, shooting only 29 percent. The good news for the Hawks is that with comparisons to players like Steve Nash and Stephen Curry, Young’s ceiling is still very high and he could easily be the franchise player they drafted him to be one day.