Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks poses for a portrait during media day at PC&E Atlanta on September 30, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Note to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User is agreeing to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks are more Trae Young’s team than ever as the high-scoring point guard enters his seventh season.
Veteran Larry Nance Jr., one of Young’s new teammates, knows that with a starring role comes responsibility.
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“I’m excited to help Trey take the next step toward further development of our franchise,” Nance said Monday at the Hawks’ media day.
Read: Zachary Lizacher selected by Hawks with No. 1 pick in NBA Draft
Dem Franchise Boys 🇫🇷 x 🥶 pic.twitter.com/AUfDJNlB75
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) September 30, 2024
Nance, a forward-center who has played with stars such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James during his nine-year career, said part of Young’s job is “just understanding what it means.” he said. As you know, a crowned head is heavy. ”
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Young, a three-time All-Star, spent time with rookie Zachary Lizacher, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and other new teammates during the offseason, and in his leadership role, Young was assisted by general manager Landry Fields. impressed.
“This is, I mean, this is a really great, big opportunity for me,” Young said. “I mean, I always say, I’m good at leading by example, and it’s always been hard for me to grow up being vocal. But, I mean, I’m getting better and better every year. So, in year seven, there’s a lot of mix now and there’s a lot of young players there who can give a lot of knowledge and I can give a lot of knowledge too. So for me, It’s just about speaking up and saying more.”
Young took Lizacher to a University of Oklahoma football game.
“Man, that was one of the highlights of my summer,” Young said. “I mean, it was great. I thought it was really cool. I mean, you could even bring a kid from France to America and go to Norman, Oklahoma.”
Lizacher also appeared in games between the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons.
“I’m trying to integrate into this new culture, new city, new people,” he said.
Read: NBA: Hawks release Dejounte Murray to Pelicans
The Hawks’ new composition began to take shape with the decision to trade Young’s backcourt partner Dejounte Murray. Murray was sent to New Orleans for four veterans and two future first-round draft picks, so Young will be given a larger portion of the scoring and ball-handling responsibilities.
Murray’s deal included guards Dyson Daniels and Nance. Daniels is expected to make an immediate contribution defensively as a key part of the Hawks’ offseason focus on improving size, depth and defensive ability.
Forwards Jalen Johnson and DeAndre Hunter will be joined by the 6-foot-9 Lizacher, who described himself as a shooting guard when talking about playing with Young on Monday. The rookie may have revealed that he is part of the plan to replace Murray.
“Just playing with him makes life easier,” Lizacher said of Young. “Make sure you’re in the right spot so he can pass the ball to you. That’s a blessing as a shooting guard. It’s a blessing to play with him, you know?”
Young missed 23 games last season with a torn ligament in his left little finger. He averaged 25.7 points and a career-high 10.8 assists.
The Hawks have not won a playoff series since reaching the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals and finished 10th in the Eastern Conference this season with a record of 36 wins and 46 losses. Young said his first goal is to get back to the playoffs.
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Fields said he is open to further moves before the season.
“There’s still a lot of work to do,” Fields said. “We’re not a finished product. We’re a work in progress. But I’m really excited about this group.”
