The Washington Wizards need Trae Young to become an off-ball threat to maximize number one overall pick AJ Dybantsa. Young is an elite offensive engine. He doesn’t need to completely give up the keys, but fans have already seen what the rookie can do as a downhill driver. Dybantsa has to get on-ball reps to continue to develop into a true superstar. Washington paid Young $212.8 million this offseason, and they need their two building blocks to have synergy.
Ice Trae has needed to become an off-ball threat for years. His usage was over 30 percent in five of his seven full seasons with the Hawks. When Young wasn’t directly involved in the action, he wasn’t offering much. They don’t need the four-time All-Star to turn into Stephen Curry running off screens. Young being a threat as a spot-up shooter and creating space for the rookie is Washington’s path to maximizing Dybantsa and becoming a contender.
The number one overall pick already looks like a veteran. Washington wants to contend this season, but the goal is to build a championship roster around AJ. Young is part of that vision, so he needs to help maximize the face of the franchise.
Trae Young must shoot better
Young is taking 6.9 3-pointers per game, but is shooting just 27.1 percent through seven games. This is a continuation of a problem. He has shot 33.5 percent from long range over the last three years. Young is a plus shooter, but he’s taking the most difficult shots.
He is attempting just one catch-and-shoot three per game compared to 5.6 each night off the dribble. Getting easier looks is the fastest way to improve his percentage. Teams still respect Young as a scorer, but that will change if his long-range shooting issues continue.
The four-time All-Star is an elite offensive creator, but Washington should force him to share the on-ball duties with Dybantsa. It will get Young some easy catch-and shoot looks. That alone should boost his 3-point percentage and give the rookie room to grow.
Wizards path to title contention is AJ Dybantsa becoming a superstar
Dybantsa missed the first four games with an ankle injury, but there has been nothing but positive impressions since he returned. The 19-year-old was the best scorer in the NCAA last season, but he didn’t show his full game. Dybantsa is a better defender than anyone expected and is already making winning plays.
The 6’9 forward has the talent to be a top-five player on the planet. He is already a plus scorer and advantage creator. Expect his playmaking to continue to improve, but becoming a true alpha is what is necessary to push Washington into the title picture.
The Wizards don’t want to just be a fringe playoff team. Their goal is to win championships with Dybantsa. Washington spent years tanking for a superstar, and they finally got one. The franchise's wait is only worth it if they is playoff success.
Young is an elite offensive engine, but he has warts. There are defensive issues that Washington must cover for. They know Trae wants the ball in his hands. It has helped the rest of the young talent, but Dybantsa is good enough that Young needs to become an off-ball threat. It can't be all Ice Trae in the nation’s capital.
AJ Dybantsa and Trae Young need to develop a two-man game
Fans have already seen the All-Star point guard find the number one overall pick on a couple of lobs. Young is making it easier for Dybantsa to get buckets. The Wizards need to build on those early moments and continue to grow the two-man game between these two.
Young setting a few screens for AJ and becoming a floor spacer off the rookie’s drives is how Washington maximizes their potential.
The Nuggets are virtually unstoppable thanks to the Jokic and Murray two-man game. They bring the best out of each other. Dybantsa is not a traditional big man, but the Wizards should embrace the whole being greater than the sum of the parts by fostering their two stars to work together.
Young must be a willing participant. He can’t keep his status quo. Dybantsa needs to have the ball in his hands some. The Wizards should give him moments as the primary creator. They need the four-time All-Star point guard to find ways to be impactful in those moments. The two-man game is an easy way to do that.
The Washington Wizards need Trae Young to embrace being an off-ball threat to turn AJ Dybantsa into a superstar. The rookie has first-team All-NBA potential. He only realizes that with on-ball reps and a point guard who enhances his game. Young is that creator. He needs to remember this is Dybantsa’s team and find ways to raise his game.
The Wizards think this will work. They wouldn’t have signed Young to a four-year extension otherwise. It is on the All-Star to make it happen. Fans will soon find out if Ice Trae wants to win or play his way. Washington needs him to change for the better, and the ball is in Young’s court to embrace it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google