Trae Young is expected to be groomed as the next face of the Atlanta Hawks franchise after getting selected as the fifth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. But after drafting Young, the Hawks added another point guard to their roster, acquiring Jeremy Lin in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets.
Young, who was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks before he was traded for European star Luka Doncic, is tipped to get a lot of playing time in his rookie year. He played down the concerns about him sharing minutes with Lin, saying that he is not worried at all.
Trae Young excited to learn from Jeremy Lin
Trae Young, who is often compared to Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, told Michael Scotto of The Athletic, that he is excited to work with Lin. The 19-year-old high-scoring guard is convinced that he could work really well with the former Nets playmaker, adding that the former Harvard University standout could be a great mentor to him.
"From what I’ve heard, he’s going to be a great mentor for me," Young said. "We’ve been talking. He’s a good dude. He’s been through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. He’s seen it all, so I’m looking forward to picking his brain."
Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk also has high hopes for their new backcourt tandem.
Fans initially questioned his decision to trade for Lin, but Schlenk insisted that the gamble could pay off big time for the Hawks.
Schlenk told The Atlanta Journal Constitution that the Hawks need a veteran to mentor their young players. He strongly believes that a "high character" player like Lin fits the billing.
Jeremy Lin ready to serve as Trae Young's mentor
Meanwhile, Lin also expressed excitement about the upcoming season, which will be his first with the Hawks. Atlanta took a gamble on Lin, acquiring him in a salary-dump deal with the Nets despite the questions about his health. The 29-year-old missed all but one game last season due to a ruptured patella tendon.
Lin said that he is ready to share his experience with Trae Young, who he thinks is a very talented player. He is also not worried about sharing backcourt duties with the rookie point guard, pointing out that he has also played in a two-guard setup earlier in his career.
"I know the Hawks plan to use us on the court together," Lin said. "I had played for the Rockets, Lakers and Hornets that put two point guards on the court simultaneously, so I know Trae and I could play very fast."