NFL
By Mark Wilson
The Atlanta Hawks will only go as far as Trae Young takes then. It’s sad to say or put that type of pressure on such a young player but this is the position he’s wanted, earned, and rightfully deserves. Young is the heart and soul of the Hawks and he must take his game to another level starting with their First Round matchup against the New York Knicks.
Take a trip down memory lane to 2000-01 when the Philadelphia 76ers put their title hopes on the shoulders of a high-scoring guard named Allen Iverson. While Iverson had more time in the league than Young did, the similarities are too clear to ignore.
Young is explosive on both ends of the court much like Iverson was. What also drove the 76ers that season was their defense. Dikembe Mutombo controlled the paint along with Tyrone Hill which allowed Iverson, Eric Snow, and Aaron McKie to gamble more on the perimeter. Larry Brown was never shy about his approach. He wanted the 76ers to be nothing short of perfection.
Iverson and Brown never saw eye-to-eye but once Iverson put his trust in Brown, the 76ers took off. This is where Young’s at now. With Nate McMillian leading the way, the Hawks dug themselves out of the mud and snatched the Southeast Division from the Miami Heat. Much like the New York Knicks, this was not supposed to happen this early.
But thanks to the sharpshooting Young, he has them in a position to shock the world. Call their season a fluke if you like but pay close attempt as to how they got there. Young averaged 25.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor. But he did have help. Clint Capella left the Houston Rockets because his role was not defined. But in Atlanta, Capella has put up All-Star type numbers (15.2 points and 14.3 rebounds).
Much like Iverson during his MVP season, Young still has a heavy burden to carry. But you can see that he relishes in that role. If the bench and the rest of the role players can provide solid contributions against the Knicks, they have a shot.
Will the Atlanta Hawks go as far as Allen Iverson took the 76ers that season remains to be seen. But the mere fact that’s he’s in a position to do so just shows how fearless this kid is. Never take the little man for granted when he’s full of heart and passion.
