2018 NBA Draft: Is Trae Young the next Stephen Curry?

As the 2018 NBA Draft draws near, we explore whether Trae Young can be the next Stephen Curry

Oklahoma’s Trae Young has been perhaps the most polarizing player in this year’s NBA draft class. His remarkable season leading the NCAA in both points and assists exemplifies Young’s innate potential as an offensive juggernaut.

But just how well will he fare when he transitions to the NBA?

A significant question pertaining to the Freshmen is how he will hold up defensively due to his 6-foot-2, 180 pound frame. However, Young’s physical makeup, quickness and agility allow him to jump the passing lanes for steals and may potentially help him develop into a top perimeter defender like Avery Bradley, another guard of the 6-foot-2, 180 pound mold.

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Furthermore, the Oklahoma Sooner makes up for his lack of size with Steph Curry-esque shooting, crafty ball handling, and high basketball IQ. Leading all of College Basketball in assists, Young has excellent court vision and is consistently able to control the flow of the game as an elite playmaker, drawing defenses and setting up his teammates.

His drive and kick ability is particularly effective in half court situations, and is a much needed skill in the NBA game, as many lottery teams such as the Knicks and Magic are desperately in need of a penetrator to facilitate.

As a scorer, Young’s impressive ball handling, reliable floaters, and phenomenal 3-point shooting ability make him a lethal offensive combo guard that a number of lottery teams could build around. His remarkable season leading the NCAA in scoring at 27.8 points per game and comparisons to two-time MVP Stephen Curry make him worth the gamble.

However, the few weaknesses of Young’s game raise significant concerns. Firstly, if he fails to get stronger, Trae’s defense will be fairly limited to jumping the passing lanes. Stronger, more athletic point guard such as the Russell Westbrooks of the NBA will easily be able to post him up and use their physical advantages to overpower Young.

In much the same way, these physical limitations may prevent him from finishing at the rim against bigs like Rudy Gobert and Joel Embiid or from getting his shot off when facing long, athletic wings such as Jayson Tatum or Jimmy Butler, potentially making him an inefficient scorer at the NBA level.

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Trae Young is undoubtedly gifted as a dynamic offensive force who can score consistently and facilitate at an elite level, but just how well he will succeed at the next level and and whether he can really be the next Steph Curry, only time will tell.