Trae Young recently opened up about the constant comparisons to Stephen Curry during an appearance on Paul George’s ‘Podcast P’ show. Reflecting on his early basketball career, Young discussed how the media frequently likened him to Curry when he first entered the college basketball scene. Despite the pressure, Young revealed that he never fully embraced the comparison, as he drew inspiration from a variety of players, not just Curry.
“That pressure started back in college. We had a great showing at the Phil Knight tournament, and suddenly, we were on ESPN every day. All they talked about was ‘The next Steph Curry.’ But I never focused on it. I never thought, ‘Yeah, I’m going to be the next Steph,’” Young shared.
Instead, Young explained that he modeled his game after multiple players. “My favorite player growing up was Steve Nash. I’ve taken pieces from a lot of players, which is why I think there are some similarities between me and Steph, but also differences.”
Young also acknowledged Curry’s influence as a mentor, recalling a pivotal moment during his college career. “He [Curry] said something when I was in college that made it even more real. We were in the middle of the Big 12, ranked in the top five in the country, and he said something like, ‘He’s so electrifying every time you watch him.’”
Young went on to share how Curry has been supportive throughout his career. “I remember the first time I was on the trade block, right before a play-in game. He texted me, telling me to stay focused. He’s always been there to drop some knowledge and give advice.”
Young’s comments highlight how he remained grounded despite the intense comparisons, staying true to his unique style of play. He emphasized that the pressure came largely from the media, but he never allowed it to overwhelm him, and it has clearly paid off in his career.
What Lies Ahead for Trae Young?
Trae Young finds himself at a crossroads in his career. After several successful seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, his relationship with the team seems to have reached a plateau. The days of Young leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals now feel like a distant memory, especially after the team decided to trade Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans, ending their partnership.
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Despite the challenges, Young is coming off a solid season where he averaged 25.7 points, 10.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds, earning his third All-Star selection. However, the Hawks missed the playoffs after a disappointing loss to the Bulls in the play-in tournament. The silver lining? The Hawks secured the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
With the top pick, the Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher, a player with tremendous potential. Although there are some doubts surrounding Risacher, the Hawks are hopeful that pairing him with Young will unlock his full capabilities.
If Risacher develops into the star the Hawks envision, they could form a formidable duo with Young. The challenge will then be building a strong supporting cast around them to seriously contend for an NBA championship in the coming years.
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