Hoops Habit
Fansided

7 young stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA

By Donald Hamilton

Feb 22, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) talks to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) talks to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 8
Next
Predicting who will be the next face of the NBA
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – NOVEMBER 09: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks in action during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 09, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

7 stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Coming into the NBA out of Oklahoma, Trae Young was the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Dallas Mavericks but traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Luka Doncic the same day.

They will forever be linked to each other, and Young has done nothing to disappoint the Hawks’ decision. He struggled initially coming into the league, but as he’s gotten more comfortable, he’s become one of the most dangerous scorers and playmakers in the Association.

Young has been amongst the league leaders in assists since his arrival, averaging 9.0 assists per game throughout his career thus far. And he’s done so while also being a dangerous three-level scorer from scoring in the paint, mid-range, and the three-point arc.

The young point guard is a cold-blooded killer and showed that during the Hawks’ amazing run to the Eastern Conference Finals. It was an epic run where he hushed the crowd at Madison Square Garden and took down Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and the Philadelphia 76ers. Atlanta eventually lost to the eventual champions in Giannis Antetokounpmo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

The talk on Young prior to last year’s playoff run was that he was a star player who got empty stats and couldn’t help his team win. But if last year’s playoffs were any indication of what he’s capable of, the Hawks should be in contention for years to come.

Young is averaging 27.8 points this season (6th in the league), and 26.9 for his career. He’s not without his warts though, as he is basically known as the worst defender in the league.

But regardless, Young a mesmerizing offensive talent and already has one of the coolest nicknames in the NBA- “Ice Trae.”