Ranking the top 5 NBA backcourts after the Dejounte Murray trade

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 26: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round at FTX Arena on April 26, 2022 in Miami, Florida, Ranking the top 5 NBA backcourts after the Dejounte Murray trade. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Ranking the top 5 NBA backcourts after the Dejounte Murray trade: 4. Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young/Dejounte Murray

It’s difficult to put this exciting pairing any higher given we haven’t seen them on the floor together. Still, they need to be here based purely on expectation and the statistical production that each player provides.

Young, the Hawks’ leader, had a career-best season in 2021-22. In just his fourth season and still on a rookie contract, the 23-year-old posted averages of 28.4 points and 9.7 assists on 46/38/90 shooting splits.

Murray, Atlanta’s newest addition after being dealt from the San Antonio Spurs, adds a much-needed defensive element to a Hawks team that ranked 26th in defensive rating this season.

The 25-year-old became a first-time All-Star this year, while he also became the first player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and two steals per game.

If things go right, Young and Murray could become the most explosive backcourt in the league over the next decade. The only question is how two players who ran their team’s offense can now co-exist within the same offense?

Young has often been compared with Curry due to his ability to control and dominate games with deadly three-point shooting. Now, with Murray playing alongside him, he’ll have to buy into the Curry play style at a whole different level.

Young had the fourth-highest usage rate of any player this season, a recipe that won’t remain effective with Murray’s inclusion. Can the two-time All-Star play off the ball, running off screens and having a greater diet of catch-and-shoot opportunities?

Both players’ ability to adjust their own personal games will ultimately decide how impactful and effective the pairing becomes.