Atlanta’s offense is buzzing, rating third in assists per sport (30.1). On the middle of all of it? Snyder’s doing a superb job with the Hawks, however Trae Younger’s season is off to a uniquely weird begin. Traditionally, Younger tends to begin gradual – his profession splits present that his TS% is persistently low in October and November earlier than climbing later within the season. By the All-Star break, he’s sometimes again to averaging over 25 ppg, so this pattern isn’t uncommon.
This yr, Younger’s numbers stand out for a mixture of causes:
Lowest ppg (20.7) since his rookie season
Lowest TS% (54.0%) since his rookie yr
NBA’s highest apg (12.0) since John Stockton in 1994
Younger’s an elite scorer and shooter, however his passing is arguably even higher. He is likely to be the perfect playmaker since Steve Nash. It’s puzzling why some followers dislike him – he’s extremely expert. Just lately, he’s been much less aggressive early in video games, possible on account of defenses doubling him and relying extra on teammates like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Hunter and Johnson. His Achilles damage is one other issue. As soon as he’s absolutely wholesome and Risacher begins persistently hitting open seems to be, the workforce must be in nice form.
That mentioned, they nonetheless want a dependable finisher – Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu have been frustratingly inconsistent ending inside. Hawks must be seeking to flip Capela’s expiring $22.2 million contract (possible by way of three-team commerce) for a middle on a multi-year contract that their workforce has loads of frontcourt depth.
This yr, Snyder has shifted away from a ‘Trae-centric’ offense, utilizing him as a decoy extra usually.
“Trae’s gravity forces 1.5 defenders to trace him always. We’re exploring use that to open alternatives for others,” Larry Nance Jr. mentioned by way of New York Instances. “Decoy Trae Younger is one thing new, and we’re enthusiastic about it.”
Defensively, Younger’s making actual strides. Identified for his bodily limitations on that finish, he’s having his greatest defensive season but – taking prices, getting clutch steals, and getting blown by much less usually (thanks partially to Daniels).
His Achilles damage is probably going impacting his taking pictures, particularly for deep threes. Guards like Younger depend on carry, and an injured Achilles impacts the whole leg, from stability to landings. At 26, age isn’t the difficulty – it’s about enjoying by damage. Achilles issues have an effect on confidence too, and basketball is as a lot psychological as bodily. Shooters rely closely on their legs, so discomfort can throw off rhythm. This additionally strains up with Younger’s historical past of beginning gradual within the first 20 video games and heating up by mid-December.
If Younger follows his typical trajectory, we’ll possible see him bounce again quickly. It’s encouraging that the Hawks are profitable video games even whereas he’s not at 100%. With Younger bettering and Snyder’s system evolving, the workforce is in a powerful place to maintain constructing momentum.
