What every team in the NBA should be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
The first month of the 2021-22 NBA season has been eventful, to say the least.
Title contenders struggling, rookies underperforming, and a few surprising teams have made for an extremely interesting beginning to the season.
As things begin to shape up, here is a list of what every NBA team should be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young
After last season’s improbable Eastern Conference Finals run, the Atlanta Hawks have failed to meet their now-high expectations so far. Sitting at just 9-9 and outside the playoff picture, it has been a rough first month for Atlanta.
Despite the team’s struggles, franchise cornerstone Trae Young has continued to emerge as one of the league’s best scorers. Young’s 24.7 points per game ranks within the top-15 in the league, right alongside some of the best players in basketball.
Only time will tell if “Ice Trae” will be able to will Atlanta back to the playoffs this season.
Boston Celtics: The continued growth of Jaylen Brown
The Boston Celtics have arguably the best young duo in the NBA with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
While Tatum has become the bigger star of the two, Brown has continued to improve and cement himself as one of the brightest young stars in the league. In the midst of a career year, Brown is averaging career bests in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and free throw percentage, while also maintaining a career-high 25.6 points per game.
The always savvy Boston front office found one of the best players in basketball with the former California star.