Expectations for the next World Cup peaked as Team USA closed its roster for the international basketball tournament. While some of the NBA's biggest stars decided not to participate, one player who strongly believes he deserves a spot on the team is Trae Young.
The standout point guard for the Atlanta Hawks has been the driving force behind his team's resurgence, and his absence from the Team USA roster has sparked a flurry of skill set discussions. His uniqueness and his disregard.
Trae Young's journey to becoming an NBA star has been nothing short of remarkable. His dynamic style of play, marked by lightning passes, impressive catches, and deadly shots, has brought the Atlanta Hawks into the spotlight of basketball. Despite being an All-Star and earning a spot on the All-NBA's Third Team a few seasons ago, Young found himself dropped from Team USA's roster due to an alleged stylistic mismatch.
The decision to remove Young from the list shocked the basketball community. USA coach Steve Kerr assigned young players such as Paolo Banchero, Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram, and Jaren Jackson Jr. to represent the country.
The choice drew criticism from fans and former players, including Gilbert Arenas, who questioned the selection process on his podcast.
In an interview with Arenas, Young expressed his thoughts on this: "I would love to play with some guys and show my superiority and not have to go out and score a lot. And just be there if they need me. I would be happy, of course, I would love to compete, but I respect the Olympics, and I understand that you have to take your turn, but I think I should be there."
Young's words reflect his willingness to adapt his game to the team's dynamics, emphasizing his prowess and versatility. It's a sentiment that aligns with current trends in basketball, where selfless play and teamwork are increasingly valued. Young's style bears striking similarities to Steph Curry, an undisputed NBA legend known for his superb three-pointer and gameplay.
The idea that Young wouldn't fit into Steve Kerr's system surprises many, given the manager's history of success with players with similar playing styles. Curry's comparison is not just an ordinary observation but a testament to Young's ability to create shots from dribbles and execute precise catches.
While Young has sometimes been criticized for being a high-volume shooter, his interview with Arenas revealed his eagerness to take on the support role, proving he is willing to tailor his game to a team-oriented style.
One aspect of Young's play that shouldn't be overlooked is his exceptional passing ability. Averaging 9.3 assists per game in the NBA, Young has shown a knack for threading needles and easily assisting teammates in scoring.
He had two assists last season, finishing third in the league behind James Harden and Team USA member Tyrese Haliburton. That assist, and his scoring ability make him a unique asset that can add a new dimension to Team USA's attack.
As the World Cup approaches, speculation continues about which stars will sign up to represent their country in Paris at next summer's Olympics. While Young's absence from this year's World Cup squad is disappointing, it could set the stage for an even more epic stage to showcase his talent at the national level. Time will tell if Team USA's decision to remove Young was right.
Ultimately, Trae Young's response to the Team USA snub echoes his humility, adaptability, and commitment to team success. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup, Young's determination to improve, grow, and prove his worth remains unshaken. Whether it's dazzling passes or clutch three-pointers, Young's journey in the NBA and international basketball continues to be one marked by resilience and the relentless pursuit of greatness.