



The constant sentiment from the team was that those shots would eventually fall and it was nothing to gripe over. That may be true, but struggles aren’t ignored in this league especially not when its a from a top-5 draft pick. Atlanta drafted Young fully aware of this habit and how detrimental it could be to running a fluid offense.

But his skill set is why they couldn’t pass over him.

Young is much more than meets the eye. Not a one trick pony and wasn’t during his collegiate career. That seemed to be his point to prove throughout summer league as he diced through defenses with aggression and pace. Allow me to put it this way, watching Trae Young is like watching Donald Glover in “This is America” video. Sure, all the “did you just see that!?” moments pop out and stir topic of conversation like Young’s shots from the beyond the arc. But in the backdrop, there is so much importance and value taking place that requires our attention. A lot of his summer league assessment felt ill-considered, short-sighted and lazy.

His alertness on defense was present. He finished around the rim with a plethora of sneaky reverse layups and crafty finishes. The nash-like ability to probe defenses by keeping his dribble alive and hardly telegraphing his decisions in pick n roll situations was on display each game.

A lot of this may have been missed with the microscope so firmly focused on his shooting display. Only furthering the idea that he’s seen through Curry lenses that disregard a tough finish at the basket yet highlighting an off the dribble 35 footers over a helpless big man.

Unfortunately, that's just something he will have to accept--Curry has.