Can’t believe 5’6 Trae young played lockdown D on 7’2 Mikal Bridges
I have said a bunch of times, and anyone who watches the Hawks consistently can confirm. Trae has actually been somewhat servicable on D most nights last year and this year. In fact, I would say even kinda good occasionally. He is no worse than almost high usage guards and better in fact than a fair number. Eye test and all advanced metrics say so.
He has fast feet n reactions both those things help. But his physical measurements are all people can see. This year especially n last years he’s improved defensively n gives effort . He’s small but cos of his agility n speed he’s better defensively then many think. I honestly think Luka or haliburton are worse defensively then trae. Yeah they’re bigger but they just look worse n lazier : EPM which only defensive star i remotely care about agrees. I would and have wanted trae to make an effort to add 10- of muscle cos I think it could help him both ways; but maybe he’s worried it’ll hurt his shot.
A reminder that Trae has been the 3rd best defender on the hawks this season