NBA star Trae Young is known for his fearless play on the court, but his recent bold claim off the court has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy. During an appearance on the popular podcast “Million Dollaz Worth of Game”, the Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young claims he’d be the best player ever at 6’8 quickly went viral. When asked to compare his game to other NBA players, Young confidently said, “They just out there tall, and that’s all. … If I was 6’8, I feel like I would be the best player ever to play this game. Just because of my mentality and the way I play and just the smartness I have.”
Trae Young Claims He’d Be the Best Player Ever at 6’8
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It didn’t take long for the internet and the NBA world to explode in response to Young’s assertion. Nate Robinson, a former NBA player and teammate of Stephen Curry, wasted no time reacting to the comment, writing a simple but biting response on Instagram: “Lol wtf.”
Young, standing at 6’1, is indeed one of the most dynamic and skilled playmakers in the league. His deep shooting range, combined with his impressive playmaking ability, often draws comparisons to Steph Curry. However, the 24-year-old Atlanta Hawks star’s claim that his hypothetical height boost would make him the greatest player in NBA history seems a bit of a stretch. Many fans and analysts quickly pointed out that success in the NBA is determined by much more than just height and physical gifts.
Trae Young’s statement implies that his current limitations are mostly due to his height, and that his basketball IQ and competitive spirit would place him on the level of all-time greats like LeBron James and Michael Jordan if only he were taller. But fans and pundits were quick to dismiss this claim, citing the countless NBA players who have achieved greatness despite being undersized.
Steph Curry, arguably the best point guard in NBA history, stands at 6’2 and has revolutionized the game with his shooting ability. He is a four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, and the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers made. Curry’s success didn’t come because he’s the tallest player on the court but because of his unmatched skill set, work ethic, and basketball IQ. Curry’s accomplishments dwarf anything Young has done in his relatively young career, and his ability to lead a team on both ends of the floor sets him apart from most undersized guards, including Young.
Several other all-time great point guards have made similar arguments against Young’s bold proclamation. Chris Paul, at 6’0, is widely regarded as one of the best pure point guards ever, with a resume that includes 12 All-Star appearances and nine All-Defensive selections. Even Allen Iverson, who was only 6’0, is considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound players in NBA history, with an MVP award and a Hall of Fame induction to his name.
Fans didn’t hesitate to voice their opinions on Trae Young’s claim, with many arguing that height alone wouldn’t make Young the best player ever. One Instagram user wrote, “You’re not even the best player at your own height in the league currently, lol.” Another fan humorously added, “If LeBron was 6’0 he’d still be better than Trae.”
Some fans even dragged retired NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal into the conversation. One comment read, “Yeah and if Shaq could pull up from 40 he would be too.” This speaks to the reality that basketball greatness is about more than just physical traits; it’s about a combination of skills, mental fortitude, and the ability to excel in high-pressure situations.
While Trae Young is undeniably one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NBA, his struggles on the defensive end have been well-documented. His lack of effort and consistency on defense has made him a frequent target of criticism. Many believe that even if Young were 6’8, his defensive shortcomings would prevent him from being considered the best player ever.
Players like Steph Curry, Chris Paul, and even Allen Iverson managed to have a two-way impact on the game, using their defensive instincts to contribute despite their size. Young’s inability to do the same has made him a liability on defense, often forcing his teammates to cover for him on that end of the floor.
As one fan bluntly pointed out, “Your defense is non-existent. Being 6’8 wouldn’t fix that.”
Trae Young’s comments can be viewed through two lenses. On one hand, his confidence is commendable. In a league filled with superstars, a player must have a certain level of self-belief to succeed. Young’s boldness and willingness to say what others may only think is part of what makes him such a compelling player to watch.
On the other hand, there’s a fine line between confidence and delusion. By suggesting that a few extra inches would elevate him to the status of “best player ever,” Young risks undermining the hard work and talent of those who have already achieved greatness. It’s not just about physical gifts—it’s about what you do with them. If Trae Young truly wants to be considered one of the all-time greats, he will need to improve his defense, leadership, and ability to win on the biggest stages.
As we look ahead to the next NBA season, all eyes will be on Young to see if he can back up his bold words with on-court results. One thing is certain: this comment won’t be easily forgotten, and fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if “Ice Trae” can live up to the hype he has set for himself.
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