Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young remains underrated, thanks in part to a consistent organizational failure to build a complete roster. The one time in the star's tenure this was accomplished, the Hawks made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals as a surprise contender.
However, the years since have been consistently frustrating with injuries and poor roster building holding back the face of the franchise.
Now, Young's future is uncertain, and the Eastern Conference has never been more wide open in the point guard's tenure. This is the moment that the four-time NBA All-Star must take advantage of to earn an extension and establish the young Hawks as a playoff contender. A large piece of this is going to be dependent on the health of co-stars who have too often missed time due to injury.
If this season were to follow a familiar script, it is difficult to see how the franchise and its star don't go through a divorce. It has been years of mediocrity thanks to a front office that has been unable to support its star. As Young continues to pile up numbers, it is important to point out that the best teammates he has ever been handed are John Collins and Dejounte Murray, who played the same position.
Trae Young is Running Out of Time to Take Hawks on Another Playoff Run
While fans could argue that Jalen Johnson is better than Collins, injuries matter in this discussion, and we have yet to see the young forward play a full season at a high level. This perfectly illustrates the discontent from the fan base and why Trae has been unable to make another deep run. It is a conference full of stars who have deep benches or co-stars to lean on. Young's game is creating shots and opening up space. This only works when you have pieces capable of taking advantage of the opportunity.
Imagine how high the assist numbers might be if the star were on one of the more talented rosters around the league. It is important to note that this is in no way putting blame on the point guard or suggesting that a trade at the end of the year is the desired path. Rather, it is pointing out the reality of the wasted seasons and potential. Young is simply too talented a player to continue to put up with mediocrity.
The offseason arrivals of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard leave even less room for excuses.
It isn't a hot take to believe that this is a make-or-break season that will determine whether or not a deserved extension is given. Young's teammates must step up, or they will soon find themselves in the unenviable position of filling a void left by one of the league's most underrated stars.