As the Atlanta Hawks prepare to travel to the bright lights of New York City where they will face off with the New York Knicks in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, the Hawks are still fighting for recognition from most national media outlets.
Considered by most NBA analysts as a long shot to make the playoffs at the midway point of the season, these same Atlanta Hawks now enter the 2021 NBA Playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the entire league.
But the playoffs are different. The playoffs are about star players making big-time plays. The playoffs are about superstars shining in big moments, and carrying their team to the next round.
Is Trae Young ready to become that type of player for the Atlanta Hawks?
The Atlanta Hawks roster is a great mixture of young players (Trae Young, John Collins, De ’Andre Hunter) and experienced veterans (Lou Williams, Clint Capela, Danilo Gallinari). Interim head coach Nate McMillan has either played in or coached well over 100 NBA playoff games.
But everyone knows this squad is led by their third-year All-Star.
NBA Insider Brian Scalabrine, while on The Midday Show with Andy and Randy, pointed out the maturation of Young’s game and talents are a major reason for the Atlanta Hawks midseason turnaround. Scalabrine praised Young’s “leadership and commitment to winning” as key factors and also recognized Trae’s better shot selection, and ability to get others involved (9.4 assists/G) as a key factor for the Hawks.
Now, in the World’s Most Famous Arena, Trae Young and the Hawks have an opportunity to introduce themselves on the grandest of stages.
Game 1 is this Sunday.
