Trae Young's NBA summer league debut did not go well (Video)
Trae Young’s first game as a professional did not go as planned.
Young, chosen by the Atlanta Hawks fifth overall, made his NBA debut in the Utah Summer League Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. In a 103-88 loss, Young scored 16 points, but did so on a dreadful 4-of-20 from the field, including just 1-of-11 from beyond the arc.
Young’s first two 3-point attempts look a lot like what we saw from him at Oklahoma — from way downtown. However, these ones missed badly, failing to even draw iron.
Trae Young’s first two three-point attempts as an Atlanta Hawk 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/P5W8ZIW8oI
— Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) July 2, 2018
Young, who was often guarded by West Virginia product and known defensive stopper Jevon Carter, went on to miss his first 10 attempts from the floor before finally getting one to fall.
But it wasn’t all bad.
Young showcased the skill set that allowed him to lead the country in both points and assists for the Sooners last year. In the highlight package below, you can see him deftly set up teammates for some easy looks. He finished the night with three assists while also going 7-of-10 from the free throw line.
While Young struggled, Jaren Jackson Jr. looked great
The 6-foot-11 Jackson, who was selected one slot ahead of Young at No. 4 overall, poured in 29 points while shooting 9-of-15 from the field, including an impressive 8-of-13 on 3-point attempts. The 18-year-old out of Michigan State even knocked down a heave from just inside half court before the first clock buzzer went off. It was that kind of night for Jackson.
.@jarenjacksonjr pours in 8 3's and 29 PTS in his first #NBASummer action for the @memgrizz! #NBARooks pic.twitter.com/gGwURwDTtL
— NBA (@NBA) July 3, 2018
But it’s one game of Summer League. Like with Young, it won’t be indicative of their upcoming rookie seasons. Both players will have their ups and downs.
With respect to Young, new Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce came away encouraged.
“Excited for Trae (that) he got 20 shots up. He can get his shot off. He’s going to make a lot of shots,” Pierce said per the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “We’re going to be fine.”
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