Is it crazy to say Trae Young is already in the conversation of being the greatest Atlanta Hawk of all-time? Dominique Wilkins currently holds that title amongst Atlanta fans and rightly so. However, before we are quick to dismiss the thought of Trae being in the conversation already, I could make the case from a talent perspective, Trae is already there. When you evaluate who is the best player in franchise history, there are many things to consider. Longevity with the team, team success, individual stats and accolades, and impact on the city, are some of the qualities one must think of when asking who the best player is for a franchise.
Greg Clarkson from Sam & Greg on the weekends alluded to this when I presented him with the question, “He has only been in the league so long. So you see if he stays with this team, to be in the running for the top Atlanta Hawk of all-time.” Which is a great point, Trae still needs to check the longevity box of being an Atlanta Hawk for a duration of time.
When you break down the rest of the categories, from a statistical and talent perspective, Trae checks the box. Longevity and team success will be the key factors in Trae cementing his legacy with the Hawks franchise. However, team success is much more than a one person job, and the off-season will determine a lot for not only Trae but this Hawks team and their success next season.