NBA Analyst Reggie Miller gives a candid take on Trae Young, calls his confidence his best quality, and heaps praise for the young guard
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The Atlanta Hawks started off the Conference Finals with a bang, as they take a 1-0 lead on the Bucks. The Hawks now have now started the series on the road thrice these playoffs, and have always secured the first road win. However, this win is a bit bigger. They beat the Bucks at the Fiserv Forum, a place where the Bucks hadn’t lost a single game these playoffs.
The biggest reason behind the win was the third-year guard Trae Young. Young, who is playing his first-ever playoffs, has been phenomenal. In the 13 games this postseason, Young has averaged 30.5 points, 10.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Trae has silenced all who doubted him and showed the league that he is an emerging superstar.
Reggie Miller compliments Trae Young, defends his ‘cocky’ behavior
Trae Young knocked out the resurgent Knicks from the playoffs, and along the way, he became a villain in the city of New York. Decades ago, there was another guard who was a big pain for the New York Knicks. The former Pacers star Reggie Miller had the same brand of ‘cockiness’ that Young displays.
When Miller was asked about Trae, he said,
“It’s his confidence, that’s what I love most about him,” Miller said. “People say borderline cocky. I don’t mind that. I like a guy who is confident in his skills. People have got to understand (what) it takes to be not only a professional athlete.
But the skillset Trae has – the shooting, the dribbling, the tear drops, the floaters, the runners – that’s countless hours in the gym. I respect that because I’ve been there. I know that. There’s a lot of sacrifice that goes into that. I like the ego that he has. It’s something that’s fun to watch.”
Awesome quote from Reggie Miller on playing the role of villain as Trae Young has embraced: ‘Not everyone can wear the white hat. I liked to wear the black hat. It looks like Trae does too.”
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) June 24, 2021
It is great to see Trae Young the recognition he deserves. After getting snubbed from the All-Star Game and the All-NBA teams, Young has played with a chip on his shoulder, and its certainly proven to be very fruitful for the Hawks.
The Hawks face Bucks for Game 2 on Friday.