The Atlanta Hawks’ offseason changes have not hurt Trae Young’s confidence.

Trae Young is no stranger to the spotlight. For the Atlanta Hawks’ star point guard, the stage has always been set for high expectations and even higher stakes. As the new season dawns, Young’s name remains a focal point of discussion, not only due to his impressive resume but also because of the dramatic offseason changes that have reshaped the Hawks’ roster. With the team projected to struggle, Young is embracing the negative narrative surrounding the new-look Hawks, and his confidence is unwavering.

Young’s journey with the Hawks has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Since being drafted in 2018, he has consistently been a player of intrigue and excellence. A three-time All-Star and a one-time All-NBA pick, Young has led the league in total assists twice and in total points once. His scoring prowess and playmaking ability have been the cornerstones of his game, earning him a place among the league’s elite. Yet, despite his individual accolades, the Hawks have not always been able to translate his brilliance into sustained team success.

This summer, the Hawks underwent significant changes. The departure of shooting guard Dejounte Murray and the acquisition of rookie Zaccharie Risacher through the draft marked a new chapter for the team. These moves were part of a broader strategy to retool the roster, but they also contributed to the mounting skepticism about the Hawks’ prospects for the upcoming season. ESPN projected the Hawks to win only 31 games and land in the 9th seed for the 2024-25 season, a prediction that highlights the low expectations surrounding the team.

Despite these projections and the constant trade speculation involving him, Trae Young remains resolute. He has consistently been the centerpiece of the Hawks’ offense, and his future with the team is one of the biggest storylines in the NBA. Currently in Year 3 of a five-year, $215.1 million contract, Young also has a $49.6 million player option for the final season in 2026-27, which means he could become an unrestricted free agent after that. While there have been whispers about potential trade scenarios, Young has not actively sought a change of scenery. Instead, he is focused on altering the trajectory of his career and the team’s fortunes.

Young’s confidence is palpable as he approaches the new season. On the “Million Dollars Worth of Game” podcast, he expressed his belief that the current lack of expectations could actually play to his advantage. “I want to get back to where I’ve been,” Young said in the episode that aired on September 8. “A lot of people look at our roster and don’t have a lot of high expectations, so that’s sometimes good for a player like me who’s been built on beating expectations his whole life. So I’m just ready to play and beat expectations and whatever that ends up being, I’m going to be ready for it and excited for it.”

This mindset reflects Young’s broader philosophy towards his career. His drive to prove doubters wrong has been a defining characteristic of his tenure with the Hawks. Despite his remarkable achievements, Young has been outspoken about his dissatisfaction with not yet having reached the pinnacle of success. “Whenever you’re in this position, you never feel like it’s enough,” he remarked on his “From The Point” podcast in June 2023. “You always feel like you want more – like there’s more out there. I mean obviously, I haven’t won everything. I haven’t won really anything, to be honest with you. I’ve gone into the Conference Finals which is cool. But, in my eyes, if you don’t win the championship, that ain’t enough.”

The Hawks’ recent history underscores the challenges they face. The team’s record of 36 wins in the 2023-24 season was the lowest since the 2019-20 season, Young’s second year in the NBA. That season marked a high point for the Hawks, with the team making a memorable run to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, this success has been followed by disappointment: back-to-back first-round playoff exits in 2021-22 and 2022-23, and a complete absence from the postseason in 2023-24. The Hawks’ struggle to maintain consistency has been a source of frustration for both the team and its fans.

As the Hawks prepare for the 2024-25 season, the question is how their reworked roster will perform. The previous strategy of building around Trae Young, with an emphasis on offensive firepower and supporting shooters, was one approach. However, whether this formula remains effective or needs further adaptation is a major unknown. The team’s success will heavily rely on how well they can integrate new pieces and whether Young can lead them through the turbulence.

Young’s approach to the upcoming season will be crucial. His ability to lead and inspire his teammates will be tested as he faces the challenge of exceeding expectations. The Hawks’ new roster, with its mix of fresh talent and returning players, will need to gel quickly if they are to make a significant impact. Young’s leadership will be instrumental in this process, and his performance on the court will likely be a key determinant of the team’s success.

In the face of adversity and skepticism, Trae Young’s resolve remains strong. His career has been marked by his ability to rise to the occasion and defy expectations. The upcoming season presents another opportunity for him to demonstrate his resilience and ability to lead the Hawks back to prominence. Whether or not the team can overcome the odds and achieve success will be a testament to Young’s leadership and the effectiveness of the Hawks’ reworked roster.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. The narrative surrounding the team may be filled with doubts and low expectations, but Young’s unwavering confidence and determination could be the catalyst for a surprising turnaround. With his career and the future of the Hawks at stake, Young is ready to embrace the challenge and prove that he can lead his team to new heights.