For the first time since being traded to the Washington Wizards, Trae Young was honored by the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night including a tribute video for the former star point guard
The Washington Wizards proved to be no match in game one of two against Atlanta before falling, 119-98, on Tuesday night. While the game featured one of the most lifeless performances of the season for Washington, it also marked a notable game given it was the first meeting between Washington and Atlanta since the blockbuster trade that sent star point guard Trae Young to the nation's capital.
While some were initially hopeful that Tuesday's performance would serve as added incentive for Young to make his Wizards debut. That wouldn't materialize with the Wizards staying patient with the recovery process for both Young and Anthony Davis. But Young being inactive allowed him to enjoy the atmosphere of being a visitor inside the arena he once made home. Early in the second quarter, Young embraced the tribute video that the Hawks played on the jumbotron in a moment to celebrate the former Hawks star.
"That is probably the one thing that is a plus about not playing right now. I can maybe get some emotions out of the way on the first time and not be so emotional every time," Young said about the possibility of being honored.
"I've been thinking about that this whole time."
Young ended his time in Atlanta as the franchise leader in career assists, passing Doc Rivers in the process, and three-pointers, passing Mookie Blaylock, while ranking second in double-doubles, fourth in free throw attempts and sixth in points. Young also led the organization to three playoff appearances, including an Eastern Conference Finals loss against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2020-21 season.
Since being drafted fifth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, Young sits top ten in the NBA in points, assists and assists per game while he's averaged 20 or more points in six of his eight seasons with Atlanta.
He will now look to carry that scoring to Washington where he serves as the latest building block for a Wizards team looking to return to the playoffs next season, marking their first appearance since 2020-21 when they lost against Philadelphia in a five games series.
Now standing at 16-41, Washington will return to action against Atlanta again on Thursday with Young expected to remain inactive, but in his final appearance in Atlanta this season, the former Hawks point guard reflected on his time with the organization and appreciation from the fanbase.
"I just wanted the Hawks fans to know how much I love and appreciate them since day one. From getting drafted, obviously the trade and things like that, but for me to come in and still find a way to make a name for myself, make a name for my team and try to put this city on the map where people were talking about us," Young said. "You can't do that without the fans."