Atlanta Hawks Point Guard Battle: Trae Young Vs Jeremy Lin

by
Former Writers
September 22, 2018

Nazrul Islam/Flickr

The Atlanta Hawks are in a true rebuilding mode. They hope point guard Trae Young, who they acquired on the night of the NBA Draft from the Dallas Mavericks, can be their franchise player. Everyone thought that Young would be a lock to start at point guard for the Hawks this season. However, the Hawks have decided to have Young compete for the point guard spot with veteran Jeremy Lin.

I asked Lloyd Pierce who will start at point guard – Jeremy Lin or Trae Young. “Competition,” was the answer referring to training camp.

— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) September 20, 2018

The Point Guard Battle Has Begun

Lin has had a solid career for himself. He’s had a journey man type of career. Lin has been with the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets. He’s been solid for each team, and having him compete with Young for the point guard spot will benefit both of them. Last season, Lin was with the Nets and only played one game for them before rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee.

Another reason why Lin has had a solid career is his ability to also play the shooting guard position when needed. He’s also a guy teammates love being around. So whether if he’s the Hawks starting point guard or not, he’ll have a role on the roster.

Young and Lin both have something to prove coming into this season. In the something to prove department, Lin can also help Young. He was an undrafted free agent out of Harvard and was written off by most. Some are writing off Young already due to his lack of size, which could hurt him at the NBA level.

It’s something Young will have to work on as his career progresses. He knows he’ll have to get stronger. Despite his lack of size, he’ll be the guy that fans will want to see. His beautiful shooting from three point range and his ability as a passer, which doesn’t get talked about often, will bring a buzz to every arena he plays in.

Who Will Win The Point Guard Position Battle For the Hawks?

The point guard competition will bode well for both Young and Lin. It will motivate Young more to earn his stripes in the NBA instead of being handed the starting point guard spot. As for Lin, it will also motivate him to show people that he’s not just a solid backup guard, which most think he is. He’ll also show people that he’s healthy coming off of his injury last season.

So expect an good and healthy battle between the two. When it’s all said and done, what will be the outcome of the Hawks point guard position? The outcome likely will be Young edging out Lin for the starting point guard spot. Young isn’t just any rookie point guard. He’s a lottery pick (5th overall selection) and a guy they traded with the Mavericks to get instead of keeping Luka Doncic, who they selected third overall in the NBA draft this past summer.

The Pressure Is On Trae Young And The Hawks

Also, the Hawks have to do better in filling up the seats at Phillips Arena, and Young starting will help do that. They were ranked last in the NBA (30th) in attendance last season. The Hawks have heard some question why would they trade Doncic, who’s more NBA ready than Young is at the moment.

Plus, if Lin starts and he struggles, the fans in Atlanta are going to want Young on the floor. This upcoming season, the Hawks have to let Young go through the growing pains, as they hope he revitalizes their franchise. As for beyond this upcoming season, the pressure is on. The question is- How will the Hawks and Young handle it? We won’t have to wait much longer to find out.