Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Trae Young

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Trae Young made an impact.

Trae Young, nicknamed "Ice Trae", is a prominent American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks. He gained attention during his single season at Oklahoma Sooners, where he tied the NCAA Division I single-game assists record and uniquely led the NCAA in both points and assists. Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018 and immediately traded to Atlanta for Luka Dončić, Young earned a unanimous selection to the 2019 NBA All-Rookie First Team alongside Dončić. As a four-time NBA All-Star, he has spearheaded the Hawks through three playoff appearances, most notably reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2016: FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship Gold Medal

In 2016, Trae Young was a member of the U.S. men's national U18 team that won a gold medal at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.

2017: Young begins his college basketball season

In 2017, Trae Young began his college basketball season with the Oklahoma Sooners, recording 15 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds in a win over the Omaha Mavericks on November 12. He also recorded 22 points and 13 assists in a win over the Ball State Cardinals three days after his debut.

June 21, 2018: Young gets drafted by Dallas Mavericks and traded to Atlanta Hawks

On June 21, 2018, Trae Young was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks as the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft and was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Luka Dončić.

July 1, 2018: Young officially signs with the Hawks

On July 1, 2018, Trae Young officially signed with the Atlanta Hawks, marking the beginning of his NBA career with the team.

2018: Young's season with the Oklahoma Sooners

In 2018, Trae Young's stellar performance with Oklahoma led to discussions of him being a top NBA draft pick. On January 20, Young recorded a new career-high 48 points in a loss to Oklahoma State.

2018: Young declares for the NBA draft

In 2018, following Oklahoma's loss in the NCAA tournament, Trae Young announced his intention to enter the 2018 NBA draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility.

February 25, 2019: Young scores career-high 36 points

On February 25, 2019, Trae Young scored a then career-high 36 points and made career high eight three-pointers in a 119–111 loss to the Houston Rockets.

August 2019: Honorary Board Member at The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital

In August 2019, Trae Young was named an Honorary Board Member at The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Oklahoma City.

October 24, 2019: Young scores 38 points in season-opening win

On October 24, 2019, Trae Young scored 38 points in a 117–110 season-opening win against the Detroit Pistons.

January 23, 2020: Young selected for NBA All-Star Game

On January 23, 2020, Trae Young was selected for the NBA All-Star Game as a backcourt starter, marking a significant milestone in his career.

December 23, 2020: Young scores 37 points in season opener

On December 23, 2020, Trae Young scored 37 points, with 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, in a 124–104 season-opening win over the Chicago Bulls.

May 23, 2021: Young makes NBA playoff debut

On May 23, 2021, Trae Young debuted in the NBA playoffs, posting 32 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists against the New York Knicks, hitting a game-winning shot to secure a 107–105 victory in Game 1 of the First Round. He also became one of few players to record 30 points and 10 assists in their playoff debut.

August 3, 2021: Young agrees to a max extension with the Hawks

On August 3, 2021, Trae Young agreed to a five-year max extension with the Atlanta Hawks, guaranteeing him $172 million and potentially up to $207 million.

November 14, 2021: Young scores season-high 42 points

On November 14, 2021, Trae Young scored a then season-high 42 points, along with 8 rebounds and 10 assists, leading Atlanta to a 120–100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

January 3, 2022: Young scores career-high 56 points

On January 3, 2022, Trae Young scored a career-high 56 points, along with 14 assists, in a 136–131 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

October 19, 2022: Young begins fifth NBA season

On October 19, 2022, Trae Young began his fifth NBA season with 23 points and 13 assists in a win against the Houston Rockets.

2022: Young selected for the NBA All-Star Game

In 2022, Trae Young was selected for the NBA All-Star Game once again as a backcourt starter. At the conclusion of the regular season, Young became the second player in NBA history to lead the league in total points and assists in a season, joining Tiny Archibald.

2022: Hawks secure No. 8 seed in the 2022 NBA playoffs

In 2022, during the Hawks' play-in tournament win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Trae Young logged 38 points and 9 assists, securing the No. 8 seed in the 2022 NBA playoffs.

February 26, 2023: Young hits game-winning shot against Nets

On February 26, 2023, Trae Young scored 34 points and hit a game-winning shot in a 129–127 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

November 30, 2023: Young scores season-high 45 points

On November 30, 2023, Trae Young scored a season-high 45 points with 14 assists in a win against the San Antonio Spurs.

December 23, 2023: Young records 30 points and 13 assists

On December 23, 2023, Trae Young recorded 30 points and 13 assists in a loss against the Memphis Grizzlies, marking his seventh consecutive game with at least 30 points and 10 assists, tying Oscar Robertson's record.

February 6, 2024: Named to Third All-Star Team

On February 6, 2024, Trae Young was named to his third All-Star team as an injury replacement for Julius Randle, marking his first selection since the 2021–22 NBA season.