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2018 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Trae Young may be the answer to Orlando Magic’s star search

By Ryan Doyle

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts between Jeff Dowtin #11 and Fatts Russell #2 of the Rhode Island Rams in the second half of the game during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts between Jeff Dowtin #11 and Fatts Russell #2 of the Rhode Island Rams in the second half of the game during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Good

Let’s begin with the obvious. Trae Young can shoot.

He can pull up from well behind the NBA 3-point line and sink shots with ease. He is not afraid to pull the trigger either, he was given the green light often at Oklahoma and he made the best of it.

One of Young’s best skills in terms of shooting is his shot off the dribble. He is not just a catch-and-shoot player. He can have the ball in his hands and consistently knock down open jumpers as he runs the offense.

Last season, Young shot 36 percent from behind the arc and attempted more than 10 threes per game.

His shot should translate to the next level. It may not be as easy to come by, but his 3-point shot will be his best and most reliable weapon early on.

In terms of his ability to run an offense, Young will have problems with turnovers. But some of that might have been his insanely high 37 percent usage rate. Oklahoma put the ball in Young’s hands and defenses swarmed him. That is asking too much of a freshman to handle.

Like many young guards, he has a knack for finding the open man. He led the nation in assists last season and was terrific on drop off passes and drive-and-kick plays.

Young also was strong in the pick-and-roll. His outside shot forces teams to switch or to try and get close to him before he can launch a three. It opens up centers and forwards as they roll to the rim. He could see some success with Nikola Vucevic in the low post or with throwing lobs to the athletic Aaron Gordon.

Young’s court vision was on full display in college. He was the center of attention and faced double teams more often than not. He was still able to escape them and find teammates.

Although he would be a focus in the NBA, rarely do teams double players anymore, Young will have plenty of room to operate.

Young also has solid handles. In today’s game, point guards have their ball in their hands a whole lot and his ability to separate from defenders with his array of moves is a major plus.

Young’s game is predicated on his offensive skills. His shooting and passing ability are NBA ready. If he lands with Orlando, he will be the premier offensive threat as soon as he hits the floor. He can transform an offense which needs a spark.