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The top-five NBA players under 25: Who will replace Jayson Tatum?

By Donald Hamilton

Ja Morant (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Ja Morant (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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NBA, Trae Young Hawks
Trae Young (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Trae Young, Guard, Atlanta Hawks

It seems we have all forgotten about the brash and confident star point guard down in the ATL with the media scrutinizing him as a “Coach Killer” earlier this season due to getting Nate McMillan fired, his second coach in the last three seasons.

The fifth-year guard of Oklahoma’s efficiency and points per game may have dropped a bit from last season, but he is still having an incredibly productive season; as of March 10, he is averaging 26.7 points (11th), 3.0 rebounds, and 10.1 assists (3rd) per game.

The Hawks’ season has been underwhelming despite the addition of All-Star guard and defensive ace Dejounte Murray last offseason, as they currently sit in the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. “Ice Trae” has still been incredibly productive this season despite his team not having the same level of success as they’ve had the previous two seasons.

Young may not get the same notoriety anymore due to his contemporaries in Doncic, Tatum, and Morant, and even the rise of Edwards and Banchero has stolen some of the shine from the Hawks’ star guard.

But let’s not get it twisted; “Ice Trae” has led his team to a Conference Finals appearance, something Edwards and others have yet to do, and that is why he’s one of the best young lead guards in the league.