Initially an All-Star snub, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young may be one of the most underrated players in the NBA.
At least that’s if his near All-Star snub has anything to say about it. A gifted playmaker with a knack for taking over in clutch moments, Young is averaging 26.7 points and 10.9 assists per game heading into All-Star Weekend. For reference, when Denver Nuggets focal point Nikola Jokic won MVP in back-to-back seasons, he averaged 26.7 points and 8.1 assists per game in that stretch.
With that show of disrespect, no shortage of players and media personnel have come out to defend Young. From NBA legend LeBron James to 4-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, many have been left scratching their heads at how he’s been perceived.
This list includes at least one of his former teammates. 2-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo, who played 27 games for the Hawks during the 2020-21 season, recently made an appearance on Showtime’s Bully Ball with co-hosts Cousins and Rachel Nichols. During the segment, the famed floor general revealed his true thoughts on his former teammate.
Rajon Rondo Reveals Thoughts on Trae Young
“Definitely, definitely underrated,” Rondo begins. “Night in, night out, every team is trying to figure out how to stop Trae Young. And you’re doing this at [6-foot-1]. Only five years in the league, I mean he’s already figured the game out.”
The Elephant in the Room
Notoriously candid, Rajon Rondo also addressed Trae Young’s intangibles, which have been questioned early in his career. Young’s locker room leadership and coachability haven’t been nearly as magnificent as his highlights. A player whose character has been questioned a few times himself, Rondo offers an interesting and unique perspective.
“He’s learning how to become a better teammate,” Rondo says. “I played with him and tried to knock him about being that but he’s young, he’s learning. He hasn’t had many vets to come in and teach him how to be that type of player and also have a franchise on your back.”
“I can’t speak from that perspective,” Rondo admits, “but being able to come in [at] 22 years old and have a whole franchise on your back, and still want him to do so many other things, and produce on the court… You’re asking a lot from a young person who is now just coming into something new. So he’s definitely underrated. One of my favorite players I’ve ever played with. He’s unstoppable.”
One of the smartest players in NBA history, when Rondo talks, people listen. Especially as Rondo is infamous for his serious demeanor. For Young and his camp, they’ll certainly be hoping that people lend an ear to the 16-year veteran.
However, for now, trade rumors centered on Young continue to fly. Those who don’t link the Texas native to the San Antonio Spurs link him to the ever-polarizing Los Angeles Lakers. Though he’s in the midst of a historic season, the storylines surrounding Young and his team are sure to dampen his enthusiasm.
