Trae Young predicts to have career-high APG season after Dejounte Murray's departure
Following his co-star Dejounte Murray's departure, Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young predicts he will again top his career-best assists-per-game average next season.
While Atlanta is coming off a down season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, Young still performed at an elite level. Over 54 games, the three-time All-Star averaged 25.7 points, a career-high 10.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.2 3-pointers per game, shooting 43.0%.
Young's assist average marked the sixth consecutive season he eclipsed his career best, dating back to his rookie season (8.1 apg, 2018-19 season). Meanwhile, he came up just short of leading the NBA in the category for the first time, slightly trailing Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton (10.9 apg).
On Sunday, StatMamba shared Young's career apg progression on X/Twitter, asking NBA fans how many assists he will average next season.
Young chimed in, predicting himself to average at least 11.0 apg for the first time.
"At least the jersey [number], you would think!" Young said.
Young enters next season without his backcourt co-star Murray, who was shipped to the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster deal earlier this month. The Hawks' return consisted of role players and draft capital, creating additional ball-handling opportunities for Young.
Upon Atlanta acquiring Murray in 2022, the star guard duo was expected to help the franchise take another step forward in the Eastern Conference. The Young-led Hawks previously made a surprise conference finals run in 2021. However, Young and Murray only made one postseason appearance together, losing 4-2 to the Boston Celtics in Round 1 of the 2023 playoffs.
In Pictures: Trae Young's wife Shelby Young shares romantic moments from perfect anniversary date
Dejounte Murray has no hard feelings with Trae Young, Hawks following trade
During Dejounte Murray's Atlanta tenure, rumors arose about him and Trae Young not always seeing eye to eye. However, upon his trade to New Orleans, the one-time All-Star made it clear he had no ill will toward Young or the Hawks.
"It’s a business, and I stay out of it when it comes to the front office," Murray said during his July 9 Pelicans introductory press conference. "You’ve got to realize, in the NBA, you have to win. It’s not on one player. You always have to do what’s best for your team, and sometimes those are hard things, and I understand."
Murray added that he was looking forward to joining a competitive Pelicans squad with a well-documented need for an established point guard.
"I want to continue to grow as a man and a father and basketball player. … I fit in perfect, and I think it’s going to be a smooth transition," Murray said.
Murray is projected to complement star forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram as New Orleans looks to take another leap in the competitive Western Conference. The Pelicans are coming off their first postseason appearance since 2022, getting swept by the OKC Thunder in Round 1 of this year's playoffs.
In Photos: Trae Young welcomes pet cat 'Cali' to his family at his $20 million LA mansion