NBA 2018-19: Top 5 Potential Rookie of the Year candidates so far

#2 Trae Young

Atlanta Hawks v Charlotte Hornets

Trae Young is the draftee, who the Atlanta Hawks received, for trading Luka Doncic, to the Dallas Mavericks. Trae Young was selected 5th overall, in the 2018 draft. Trae Young ranks second among rookies, in scoring.

Young shows a great ability to get to the rim and draw fouls. His ball handling and passing skills are excellent. As a rookie, he is 3rd overall, in minutes played, with 731, he is 1st, in field goals attempted, he ranks first in free throws made 80 and attempted 102, mainly because, of his ability, to get to the rim, at will.

He is first, in assists, with 183 or an average of 7.3 per game. Where Trae Young is struggling is directly related to the team around him. The Hawks are rebuilding and the roster is mostly young. Trae Young is averaging 15.7 points per game on 37.7% field goal average.

Young needs to get better with shot selection and or consistent shooting. The Hawks, at 5-20, means Young’s stats are tied to the workload he is being asked to shoulder. Should the Hawks be lucky enough to acquire Zion Williamson, at the June 2019 draft, Trae Young’s shooting averages may correct themselves.