The Trae Young Era with Washington Wizards Is Nearly Underway

When you look at where the Washington Wizards were just a few years ago, it's hard not to appreciate how much things have changed. After going from dark days led by Spencer Dinwiddie, Raul Neto, and Tyus Jones to now having Trae Young running the show. The true epitome of ashy to classy.

With news of a finalized extension drawing a wide range of reactions, it comes after he's made himself part of the organization's identity. Young has already bought into the city, embraced the challenge, and immediately stepped into a leadership role. He's the ultimate veteran and the ultimate leader. While he shouldn't be viewed as a bridge point guard, Young is the ultimate bridge point guard, albeit an ultra expensive one if you will but that’s a story for another day. 

One intriguing part of this offseason, though, came from a Josh Robbins report stating that the Wizards hope to play Trae Young a bit more off ball this season, which sounds great on paper, but may not be categorized asa seamless transition for Trae. However, it’s important to note that the Wizards will not lose sight of what makes Trae special. His greatest strength has always been controlling the offense as a primary playmaker, reading defenses, and creating quality shots for himself and his teammates. Trae has the highest career assists per game average among all active NBA players at 9.8 assists per game so asking him to spend extended stretches as an off ball guard takes away the skill that has made him one of the league's best offensive playmakers. The priority should be maximizing his strengths, not forcing him into a role that minimizes them.

During his five games with Washington last year, Young posted a 52.5% assist percentage while recording the lowest usage rate of his career at 24.6%, which Will Dawkins emphasized in a presser recently. It's a tiny sample size, but it offers a glimpse into what the organization may envision moving forward.

This would require a major adjustment. Year after year, Trae has ranked in the 99th percentile in on ball percentage since he entered the league in 2018, with offenses built almost entirely around his ability to create. Whether it's orchestrating pick and rolls, breaking down defenses, or setting up teammates, the ball has almost always been in Trae's hands. That's why the Wizards' reported plan to have him play more off ball represents one of the biggest changes of his career, especially now with the current roster construction that resides in DC.

AJ Dybantsa arrived from BYU after posting an incredible 33.5% usage rate while dominating the ball whenever he was on the court as he essentially operated as the entire offense. The current summer league roster has already seen a point guard by committee approach with AJ Dybantsa and Will Riley running the show. Also, last year, Kyshawn George himself ranked in the 88th percentile in on ball percentage last season at 22.9%.

The vision is clear, build a team with multiple decision makers instead of relying on one player to create everything. That means Trae has to evolve. In my opinion, a good start for him would be to improve the quality of his three point attempts as he is currently a high volume shooter from the wings and the top of the key all from well beyond the arc. 

This is arguably the best roster Trae Young has ever played with. You could hear the relief, or comfort as he noted, in his introductory press conference. He doesn't have to carry every possession anymore.

By the time this contract expires, it'll be time to hand AJ the keys and pay the franchise's next superstar. But one thing that has me very excited about Trae and his fit with the Wizards is that he is well aware of his current weaknesses and playstyle. He knows that he must adapt while setting an example for the young players on the roster. He knows that he was brought back to help accelerate the growth and development of all the recent draft picks. And he knows that he has a good shot at winning big with the Wizards in the East while doing so. The best case scenario, when your bridge point guard is also one of the best floor generals in the league. That's exactly why Trae is the ultimate bridge point guard. 

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