The Atlanta Hawks hit the jackpot landing the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, but didn’t select a perfect partner for their franchise player.
While French wing Zaccharie Risacher is a meaningful addition to the roster, the Hawks lack a serious interior partner for star Trae Young. While he’s played with the likes of Clint Capela and John Collins throughout his career, none provide the needed two-way ability for Young to unlock his full potential.
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is convinced he’s found the ideal fit for Young in the frontcourt: Brooklyn Nets’ Nic Claxton.
“Say you had a Nic Claxton, dynamic roller, locks up, controls the paint, great screen setter,” George shared on his podcast. “You can play shooters around you at that point, that’s how I see it.”
Trae Young: “I could make anybody better … you just got to get that opportunity [playing with a star].”
PG: “I feel like what unlocks your game is a dynamic big … say you had like a Nic Claxton.”
Discussing how Trae’s game can complement a lot of different players. pic.twitter.com/WJx0Xv4QyL
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) August 13, 2024
The lone issue with this hypothetical tandem is the Nets signed Claxton to a four-year, $ 100 million deal in July. The front office may view him as a part of their future despite entering a complete rebuild. The organization could move on from the lockdown big for the right price, specifically strong draft capital.
The 25-year-old center averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks on 62.9% shooting last season.
“Obviously, we all have deficiencies, so I’m smaller,” Young said. “So a bigger guard, bigger players would make the game easier for me.”
The pick-and-pop style of play is out of the question with Claxton’s lack of prowess, but pick-and-rolls with Young could create one of the NBA’s most dynamic scoring attacks.
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