Atlanta Hawks: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

2. Trae Young wins Rookie of the Year

If Young is leading the charge in hoisting 3-pointers in Stephen Curry-like fashion, we will see the good and bad of the rookie from Oklahoma, but the good will outweigh bad by the end of the season.

The odds aren’t with Young as the season approaches. Luka Doncic, the player the Hawks traded to the Dallas Mavericks on draft night for Young, is one of the Rookie of the Year favorites, as well as the No. 1 overall pick, Deandre Ayton.

However, Young’s ability to hit a 3-pointer from anywhere, plus his incredible vision, should capture the attention of the NBA from the get-go.

Pierce will be able to space the court with different options on a consistent basis, allowing Young to dazzle with passes to someone cutting to the basket, or pull-up to knock down shots from beyond the arc. With his deadly shot, keen passing eye and (hopefully) ability to limit his turnover problem, Young will end the 2018-19 season with the ROY award.