Trae Young believes he knows why he is not always recognized as one of the top players in the NBA.
Young has led the Atlanta Hawks for the past seven seasons as he acquired him in trade with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The point guard has made some incredible statistics and made four All-Star appearances, but he still has a lot of doubts.
Young explained to Jeff Teague why, despite working so well for the Hawks, he doesn’t get the respect he deserves.
Teague spent several years with the Hawks on the day of play, but first told Young he was always standing up for him in discussions with NBA players.
“You’re one of them,” he said. “That’s why every time we come to the show, we always talk about who doesn’t have the most respect, who should make this an All-Star, and that’s true.”
One of the Teague co-hosts asked: “Why do you think so?
This prompted Young to suggest that his laidback personality was a reason why he was sometimes overlooked, rather than a courtroom play.
“I think that’s probably the reason,” Young replied. “Do you know what I’m saying? I think that’s why.
“So you might think I’m roaring with certain highlights and how I talk at times, but when it comes to boosting myself and things like that, it’s not.
“I want to talk to the game and let everyone else talk for me, so even if I get credit, I want to live that way.
Trae Young’s stats for the 2024-25 regular season matched many of the NBA’s best point guards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was clearly on another level, but Young performed similarly to Jalen Brunson and Stephen Curry.
What Young lacks in efficiency compared to some superstars definitely compensates for his world-class playmaking abilities.
| player | point | FG% | 3p% | rebound | assist |
| Shy Gilgaus Alexander | 32.7 | 51.9 | 37.5 | 5.0 | 6.4 |
| Kade Cunningham | 26.1 | 46.9 | 35.6 | 6.1 | 9.1 |
| Jalen Branson | 26.0 | 48.8 | 38.3 | 2.9 | 7.3 |
| Damian Lillard | 24.9 | 44.8 | 37.6 | 4.7 | 7.1 |
| Stephen Curry | 24.5 | 44.8 | 39.7 | 4.4 | 6.0 |
| Trae Young | 24.2 | 41.1 | 34.0 | 3.1 | 11.6 |
Some may say the Atlanta Hawks were overwhelming despite his impressive statistics, but that had something to do with the injury to his running mate, Jalen Johnson.
The good news for Young is that he has more help than ever before before heading into next season, so the Hawks could be at the top of the Eastern Conference and could put him in the spotlight.