For years, Kristaps Porziņģis and Trae Young talk has surrounded the Atlanta Hawks as fans imagine what the two could do together. Young has shouldered the Hawks offensive load for years, facing collapsing defenses the moment he crosses halfcourt. Double teams, hedges, and packed paint have all been part of his nightly reality.
As gifted as Young is as a scorer and playmaker, the lack of a true floor-spacing big has limited how far Atlanta’s offense can go. That is where Porziņģis enters the picture. His shooting and versatility could finally give Young the room to thrive.
How Kristaps Porziņģis Can Elevate Hawks Hero Trae Young
When healthy, Porziņģis is one of the most skilled big men in basketball. At 7-foot-3, he can step out and shoot the 3 at an elite clip, forcing opposing centers to defend him beyond the arc. In fact, he has an even higher career 3-point percentage (36.6%) than Young (35.2%). Last season, the big man was particularly efficient, knocking down a career-high 41.2% of his 3s on 6.0 attempts per game.
KRISTAPS “UNICORN” PORZINGIS
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— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 7, 2025
That ability changes the geometry of the floor. For Young, who thrives on attacking downhill, that kind of spacing is invaluable. Imagine the dynamic: Young comes off a high screen from Porziņģis. Instead of a wall of defenders, he is staring at open space. The defense must choose to stay attached to Porziņģis or collapse on Young’s drive.
Either way, Atlanta wins.
Unlocking Trae Young’s Playmaking With Kristaps Porziņģis
Porziņģis’ gravity doesn’t just open lanes; it elevates Young’s already exceptional playmaking ability. With defenders pulled from the rim, he can make cleaner reads and find shooters in rhythm.
In Boston, Porziņģis proved he could thrive next to a dominant guard while keeping elite efficiency. In Atlanta, a Porziņģis-Young duo could bring a lethal mix of pick and roll and pick-and-pop threats that few defenses can contain.
The Last Word On Kristaps Porziņģis And Trae Young
Young has built his career on creating offense regardless of circumstance. Pairing him with a stretch big like Porziņģis could finally give him the structure to reach his full prime. A guard who manipulates defenses with precision. A big who punishes every mistake. Together, they could transform how Atlanta attacks.
Now that the Hawks have landed Porziņģis, a frontcourt talent who spaces the floor, protects the rim, and complements Young’s brilliance, they might have the key to unlocking the next level of the Hawks’ offense.
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