Trae Young on New-Look Hawks, Next Season’s Goals, WNBA All-Star & More | 2025 Summer League

Trae Young on New-Look Hawks, Next Season’s Goals, WNBA All-Star & More | 2025 Summer League

I don’t have any any other goal besides winning the championship like winning the championship does I mean it opens up everything. So um for me just winning the championship and and with the East the way it is and unfortunately with some of the injuries that’s happened I mean it’s the East is a lot more open than it’s even been in previous years. So it’s definitely time for certain certain teams to take that step and what we’ve done this off seasonason and bring in the guys we brought in. you can tell that we we want to make I mean some noise this year and um that’s what we plan to do and and that’s what’s going to happen. What’s up y’all? We back at it. Another episode from the point by your favorite point. Back with my boy Winston. It’s been a minute. Welcome back. What’s up man? Glad to be back. Glad to be back guys. We’re live here from Dre in Las Vegas for NBA summer league currently. Um, like you said, it’s been a minute, but uh, what you been on, man? Nothing, man. Just all season working and out here in summer league. So, been great. I don’t know about you. I know we were talking about it earlier, but the new Superman movie just dropped and man, I’m I can’t wait to go see it. Oh, yeah. Uh, I know that’s a that’s a big favorite superhero for you. So, that’s my favorite. That’s my favorite. I ain’t been able to see it yet. We’ve been out here in Vegas, so I can’t wait to get to LA, watch that. I may watch like two, three times. So, that’s that’s definitely a movie I can’t wait to see. And we’ve got some great music lately, too. I know Justin Bieber just dropped his most recent album, Swag. Um, personally a big fan of JB. Have been for a long time. Um, you listen to it yet? Same. Yeah. Hell yeah. That go baby, go baby, go baby, go. Yeah. You know, that’s number one right now. Yeah, that’s my number one. Um, I guess we’ll get I guess we’ll get started, man. So, you know, we’re like I said, we’re in we’re in Vegas right now for NBA Summer League. Um, this is super exciting time for all the drafties, draft picks, guys looking to get jobs in the league. Um, you know, the Hawks, they they got a good dub yesterday against Miami. Um, you guys you guys got some new additions to the team, too. Um, you know, talk about drafting uh, Azen Noel and then also, you know, some some key signings that you guys had this summer. No, for sure. Yeah, we’ve we’ve had a a great big summer. Um, starting with the draft, obviously drafting ASA. I was I think an Atlanta kid. Um, grew up an Atlanta fan, Hawks fan. Uh, went to Montre for high school, won a whole bunch of championships, and then ended up going to Georgia and we drafted him this year. And, um, I know he’s super excited to play. He’s been playing really well in his first few games. So, I’m excited. I’m excited to to see what what what we got with him. And I mean, obviously has been a big summer with with guys we’ve gotten and bringing on the kill and Luke and um those those big wing additions and then obviously with Chris Stops um coming to our team, we have definitely a a different different team um going into the season. And I mean to be honest, a team that like I’ve I’ve haven’t been really a part of going into a season um like this before. So I’m super excited. I know the fans are too. We’ll get into free agency in a in a second, but I want to start with with Asa. What about his game already excited you? I know you know you went to uh you know his signing whenever after he was drafted and he did his his press conference and everything like that, but um I know you’ve been in the gym with him a little bit when he’s working out, but what about his game are you looking forward to adding to the to the Hawks current roster? And then um where where do you see his game developing? Yeah, I mean he’s already uh I already talked to him a little bit when we talked. We talked about uh how he played at Mom Ver played for coach Bole. I mean we played for that coach. He’s a winner. He’s a winning coach. I don’t know how many national championships he won in high school, but I’m sure he won a few. So just adding a winner to your to your program, it only makes your team better. And I mean, he’s going to bring a lot to our team. I know a lot of people are comparing him to to JC and with him being able to to catch lobs and and shoot threes and things like that. Um, but he’s going to make his own name and his own mark in this league and I’m excited that he’s he’s a part of our team. Yeah, super unique. I know you mentioned he went to Montver. That was the same group as Cooper Flag, Liam McNeely, Derek Queen. Like that high school roster was pretty loaded um in terms of in terms of that group. But we can switch to free agency. Um, you know, the Hawks made some really big acquisitions um and some signs and like you said, Nquille Alexander Walker, Luke Canard, and they’re trading for Chris. So, this free agency was definitely a wild one to say the least, just in general across the league, but the recruitment process of free agents like Mquille Alexander Walker and Luke Canard. I know you personally reached out to both of those guys. Did you have a relationship with either of them? Um, and if so, or if not, what was that, you know, recruitment conversation or process like for you as a leader of the Hawks? Yeah. No, I mean, I I talked to both of them on the phone, I was able to to to talk to them. I mean, I’ve known him for for years. Um, I mean, being in this game, you you connect with guys throughout the throughout the year. So, I’ve known them both of those guys for years. But yeah, I I I reached out to both of them and we was able to connect and um obviously they they both had options and um but I wanted them on my team and I know they would make our team better and so we was able to able to talk and u and make it happen. So I’m happy that they were my team. We made it work. um you know what when that legal temp tampering period opens up and you as a leader of the team have the opportunity to now essentially help recruit guys. How important is that for you to do that during offseason and just let everybody know like hey man like we’re the Hawks are serious. We’re we’re we would love to you know have you come join the team and all that. No, I mean it’s definitely uh I mean something that like I’ve I’ve gotten better at over the years. I mean when you come in as a rookie, you’re not really doing that trying to recruit guys for your team. And even your first few years when you’re trying to make a name for yourself and try to find where you where your place is in the league, you’re not really worried about those kind of things. But now in this this point in my career, it’s a lot different. You know what I’m saying? I’m trying to focus on winning. I’m trying to get get back to where I’ve been before and even further. So, um it’s it’s whatever it takes. Like it’s whatever it takes to help our team be more successful. I was I’m willing to do. And um I think adding these guys just makes our team better. And um so so why not try to go out there and and and tell them what I mean what I can do for them and what they can do for not only our team, but helping hopefully bring the city to this first championship. So, I mean, that’s that’s the ultimate goal and that’s that’s why you do it as a player and go out and try to help help get guys to build your team and and and be strong. If you had to just use, you know, a phrase or a word to describe each of those guys games and what you think they add to your team, we’ll start with Nquille Alexander Walker. What would you say? I mean, Nquille brings uh a variety of of of things to our our team. Um, obviously a lot of people label him as a defender, a guy that uh can guard probably one through four, sometimes fives. Um, but he can score. I think he’s an underrated I mean scorer. I feel like this year when he’s playing with me, I mean, he’s he’s already made leaps as he’s gone throughout these years, but I feel like we’ll be able to to help each other and and make the game easier for each other. And I think you’ll be able to see a lot more of his offensive game um this year. and uh I’ve just seen it just being a fan of his game from afar. So, I’m I’m looking forward to playing playing alongside him and and and us helping each other out. I agree. I think he hit he hit great great shots, especially in the in the postseason for Minnesota. Um he run that pick and roll really well either whether he’s looking to score or attack or whatever. So, I agree. Yeah. No, and he does I mean he’s he’s never running from a running from a matchup. You know what I’m saying? you come off the bench. I mean, most of he he could start on a lot of teams in this league and but um I mean he’s just had to to play a role in Minnesota and he he’s looking to expand that here for sure. I agree. Uh Chris, what you what you think he has? Uh I mean Chris brings a lot to our team. I mean for me first off I just hope he’s healthy. Like if he’s healthy for our team we we the sky’s is the limit. You know what I’m saying? Like just what he brings to our team the the ability to stretch the floor. I think now I’m I’ll be able to get to the basket even easier. I mean, with the bigs not being able to sit in the middle of the paint, you have to guard Kristoffs now at the three-point line and and he’s a threat. I mean, from from the half court up, so you have to be able to to watch him and it opens up driving lanes for everybody. So, including myself. So, I’m looking forward to playing with him and I know we’re going to both make our lives a lot easier. Yeah. I think it’s crazy because a lot of people, you know, selective memory goes on, especially in basketball. You know, there’s a new headline, new thing come out, but there was a reason they called him the unicorn for a reason. Oh, yeah. The the the amount of value that he adds to teams when he’s on the floor. So, yeah, for sure. And I mean, if they forgot about it, we going to bring that back out. So, we gonna make sure everybody remembers that. Uh, and then the dead eyee, Luke Canard. Oh, yeah. when I found out we had a chance to get him, yeah, you you have to add like anytime you can get a guy like him, like I mean, you you go and do it. I mean, he’s been one of the best three-point shooters these last few years. Um I mean, we we both have tremendous respect for each other. I mean, every time we played against each other, it seems like we both do well against each other. I don’t know what it is, but he’s he’s he can really shoot the ball. I feel like offensively, I mean, he spaces the floor out. He can make plays. He can run the pick and roll, too. He can dribble. So he does a lot more than just shoot and you’ll be able to see that too in Atlanta. Very underrated playmaker in my opinion. Obviously everybody knows that he very consistently, you know, top top five three-point percentage every year, but very underrated playmaker in my opinion. So I’m excited. No, for sure. I mean, we got a different different different roster with different guys, but he he’s he’s definitely going to fit right in with Quinn system and it’s going to be great for us. Speaking of different different rosters, you know, I know that and this is just across the business just in general, but there are a lot of roster changes, whether it be at the trade deadline, in the offseason, whatever. Every single year seems like a team starts fresh, whether you win the championship or not. You may have some key guys that you resign and all of that. What challenges, especially as a leader of the team, come with roster changes and how as a leader do you take that responsibility on to make sure you guys are ready to go game one? Yeah. Um, obviously roster changes, uh, there’s always like a a learning period that goes on when you make a roster change, especially one that’s been together for a long time. There’s always an adjustment period. But I mean, as as a great player, you never want to use that as an excuse, neither. Like, you always try to to figure out how to make it like as fast as of a transition as possible. And um I think that’s that’s the goal for for any any team or anybody that has a great player and that makes changes on their team. And I feel like that’s what we’re going to do this year. We’re going to try to speed up the process as much as possible to make sure that we’re I mean, winning games early and and getting off to a hot start. That’s something that unfortunately I haven’t been able to to have in Atlanta. Um I mean to to certain things every year. Um you never want to use excuses whether it’s injuries or other things, but guys missing games, it’s it’s never it’s never easy, but um hopefully health is is there for us this year at the beginning of the season and and we’re clicking and um that definitely helps your team. I I you mentioned health too. I think it’s interesting that a lot of times, you know, talking heads get on, you know, the major networks and often reference, you know, teams that get hot or teams that are constructed really well. What I feel like a lot of the time though that is glazed over a little bit is health and how a lot of that whether it be come from prep in the offseason or just flatout luck sometimes is how important and how successful teams are when their entire group is healthy. Oh yeah, for sure. And you look at us this year, we when we were healthy, I mean, I feel like a lot of teams can say this. And I’m sure we’re not the only only team that can say this, but when we were healthy and we had Jaylen and everybody was was was there, we were top four or five seed, you know what I’m saying? And then Jaylen misses 40 plus games, maybe 50 plus games. And I mean, it hurts your team. He’s a big part of our our team. And I know he’s he’s gotten gotten back right. He’s going to be ready for the season. I’ve already talked to him, seen him. he’s uh he’s looking looking straight and he’s going to be ready for the season. So, but that’s definitely good. That definitely plays a factor in in in team success. Overall goals for this season, whether it be for you individually and for your team, what what are those goals that you’re looking to accomplish this year? Um I mean, I don’t have any any other goal besides winning the championship. Like, winning the championship does I mean it I mean it opens up everything. So, um, for me, it’s winning the championship and and with the East the way it is and unfortunately with some of the injuries that’s happened, I mean, it’s the East is a lot more open than it’s even been in previous years. So, it’s definitely time for certain certain teams to take that step. And what we’ve done this off seasonason and bring in the guys we brought in, you can tell that we we want to make, I mean, some noise this year. And, um, that’s what we plan to do. And and and that’s what’s going to happen. Like you always say, it’s another day, another opportunity. This season is definitely another opportunity. Um, and like you said, the East is is wide open this year. So, I’m uh well, I’m I’m looking forward to this season for you guys. I uh I think it’ll be great. Speaking of, you know, winning and capturing a lot of momentum, the W is on fire right now. Women’s hoops just in general is on fire right now. Um, from a bird’s eye view, what has been the most exciting thing to see this year, specifically with the growth of the W, how much additional viewership it’s getting? um how much investment it’s getting from brands and partners and all those things. Um and I know you’re a hoops junkie just in general. So, how excited is are you to to watch the W continue to grow? Oh, no. It’s super exciting. Obviously, everybody see I go to I go to games as much as I can. I already went to two this year. I love going to playoff games. Those are I mean, unreal. So, um I went to a Dallas game already and then went to Atlanta. I mean, I love the the W. I think those players can play. Like I think don’t they don’t necessarily get the the love from the fans that I feel like they they should. But I mean it’s definitely growing. I think just the excitement with everything with NWSL league like women’s sports in general is just growing. So like um the W is is is right there with it. Yeah. I um there’s a you know a phrase that goes around a lot. Everybody’s watching women’s sports and now you’re finally starting to see like the data is really correlating of like how much additional viewership and publicity these these women are getting and it’s so very welld deserved. So, sure. And a lot of people, sorry to cut you off, but I think a lot of people a lot of people give a lot of credit to uh Angel and uh Caitlyn, too, which they they do. They get they should deserve probably the most credit right now for what they’ve done. And I mean, all the attention that they they’ve brought to the game, but it’s it’s a lot of other players out here that’s I mean, putting up putting up numbers and and getting attention from fans that we all love. though. Speaking of Caitlin Clark, uh WNBA all-star is going to be in Indianapolis next weekend. Caitlin was named a captain along with uh Nisa Collier. Um you know, talk about your relationship with with either of them and both of them in fact uh especially as you know, the W is is continue to grow. Oh yeah. I mean, I’ I’ve known Fee since I was in uh high school, like um obviously her husband um one of my trainers for I mean, a lot of years. So, I’ve known Fee for for many, many years. And seeing her success at Yukon before she’s made her success at uh I mean, in the W has been crazy to see. And so, I’m super excited and happy that she’s been balling. and I went and saw her play Atlanta um in the dream um a few weeks ago and it was crazy to see. And then obviously Caitlyn like everybody I mean I think we the only two that’s ever led the country in points and assists in college so we we’ve got a connection and we we talked when we were in college uh one of my friends Charlie or our friend Charlie called our team oh yeah uh we played at Iowa State we I went down there to watch him play and Caitlyn Caitlyn was down there we were able to uh to talk and connect down there and uh they were playing Iowa so it was it was great. So I know both of them really well. Happy for their success. Absolutely. Um, you know, speaking of players in the W, uh, two of my favorite ladies down in Atlanta, uh, Ryan Howard and Alicia Gray were also named Allstars, you know, speaking of just the dream in general, but those those two ladies in particular, uh, they’re on fire this year. They’re playing well. How good is that to see the, you know, the Atlanta Dream do well for just Atlanta sports in general? It’s great. It’s great. I mean, those two are are great players. I mean, great represent rep representation of the of the city and I know they’re going to go out there and represent uh the A to the fullest out there in in Indie. So, I mean, I’ve been I’m following them years and Ryan’s a really good friend of mine. Um, so I I always see her and talk to her anytime we we can support each other. So, it’s always great. Alicia’s been having a great season. I think she’s starting. Yeah, she’s a starter. So, yeah, it’s even even better for her. So, I’m I’m happy that they uh they’re having their success. Overall, just favorite players to watch. I know we mentioned a few, but any any other ladies that you that you really enjoy watching on the court? Uh I mean, I my my sis Asia, she’s she’s obviously one of my my favorites. Crushing it. Uh always balling. I mean, Paige Becker is balling. Uh there’s there’s a lot of lot of players. I’m I’m a fan of everybody. So, yeah. I uh I’m also very excited and and I want to hear your thoughts too, especially as we start to get, you know, the college age and and the high school age, just, you know, high school basketball and just basketball in general is getting such great viewership. Um but with this rise in in popularity for the W, uh you see you see ladies like Juju Watkins or Jersey Robinson who goes to uh Sierra Canyon, uh Aaliyah Chavez who’s going to be attending University of Oklahoma next year. Yeah. Where do you see the W continuing to grow, especially as we’re starting to see these incredibly talented young women um you know, rise up the ranks? I mean, it’s it’s just like every other sport like the the evolution in everything is going to continue to get better. I mean, the players now are watching Caitlyn and seeing what they’re doing and want to just add that to their game and maybe add a little bit of spice. You know what I’m saying? 20 years from now, there’s going to be a few, you know what I’m saying, players that that play like Caitlyn um just because of what she’s done and the the impact she’s had on little kids and little girls um around the world. So, I think that’s that’s why the the game is always going to grow. It’s always going to get better. And um I’m not going to be one of them old heads when I’m done playing hating on the the young guys that are I mean getting better or getting more love for for certain things that I mean we help kind of build, you know what I’m saying? and they they’ve learned from us and just added a little bit of new stuff. So, I’m I’m not one going to be one of those guys, but I uh I definitely I feel like the the game the women’s game is always going to grow because of that reason. You know, quick little shift here, but I know uh you know, we’re we’re back doing a podcast here at Dre in Las Vegas. Uh we have some we have some big news coming up though for From the Point coming back to Oklahoma. Um I know you know uh University of Michigan rolls into town against against the Sooners weekend of September 7th I believe. Um and we’re and we’re planning on post hosting a a from the point weekend there which is super exciting. Uh any information that you can share on on the weekend just in general? Yeah. No, we uh yeah, we bringing our second from the point weekend to uh to to Norman and we doing it on the biggest weekend um of the season in U Michigan and it’s going to be a a great weekend. We got a whole bunch of stuff. We got pickle ball event um on Friday. We got we got a lot of stuff coming. Pickle ball. We got I got some special guests and friends coming in town um for the game and for the podcast. We’re going to do a on that stuff on Saturday before the game on like a tailgate area and then go obviously go to the game and then Sunday have a little kids kids little uh clinic. Um and then obviously try to bring some friends and have a little celebrity game afterwards. So going to have another great weekend with with Michigan coming to town. So Jordan Brand uh it’s going to be representing all weekend. So it’s going to be fun fun and I’m looking forward to it. I feel like you’re being a little bit a little bit humble about like how significant this this weekend is going to be. You know, the Trey Young Family Foundation is doing several amazing things in the community like you said, hosting youth youth clinics and camps. Um yeah, you know, some youth mentor sessions, all those things. So, no, you’re right. You’re right. You I mean, that’s why you here. You you you mentioned the other stuff that I I failed to mention like the foundation. Um, I mean, and all the stuff that we the revenue that we we make from it, it goes to that and and uh yeah, just continue to give back and stuff like that and that it’s it’s fun like we’re going to interact and Yeah. and and make it a a fun thing for everybody to be a part of. Yeah, we really wanted to be an experience for people to, you know, not only come and enjoy the enjoy the game and the festivities, but really experience the whole weekend. Um, have fun. um get to know the foundation a little bit and the amazing uh phil philanthropic work that you and your and and the Trey Young family foundation are doing. Um so we’re really excited for everybody to be there. Again, this is going to be um when Michigan comes into town in Norman on September, the weekend of September 7th. Um so yeah, we’re really looking forward to it. Yep. We about to make sure it gets out to everybody, but it’s obviously going to be on my socials. My socials and the the the family foundation, the Trey Young family foundation website. Um there’s going to be some things that come out with the weekend and so make sure you you lock in those dates the 5th through the 7th and uh we got some exciting stuff follow. We g we going to make sure you get it. We’ve got some great stuff cooking up. So definitely save the date I’m in Norman, Oklahoma when Michigan rolls into town for the U football game. So we’re excited and we hope to see you guys there. You can find more information for From the Point Weekend. Again, it’s September 5th, 6th, and 7th on Trey Youngfamilyfoundation.org. Again, that’s trey youngfamilyfoundation.org. org for our second annual from the point weekend. Um, you know, while we’re actually here in Vegas, uh, there are some AAOU tournaments going on. You’re a you’re a newer, uh, member of the Jordan Brand family. Um, I know that was a little bit of shift for you this year, but just overall, what does it mean to be a Jordan Brand athlete? It means it means a lot. Like I mean for me I played in the EBL so like I I felt I mean obviously when I was uh with the other brand like I mean it was an amazing experience and all that. Um it was great for me to start start out that way but everybody grows, everybody evolves and I felt like this was just another um evolution for me to to evolve and get better and um I think we’re going to we’re we’re growing in the right direction. And obviously a lot of fans are excited about certain things. Um, who knows what’s to come in the future, but this is a great partnership and I’m looking forward to to many more stuff with I’ve been seeing a lot of the Jordan brand and the 11s on your, you know, on your on your sweaters and your shirts. Need one by the way so so I can rep. I got you. But um, but I know you mentioned a little bit of the EBL. How full circle has that has that been to, you know, you were an EBL kid. Now your younger brother Timothy is is a member of the EBL. Um but also you started Legends. Yeah. Too with with Blake Griffin who’s also another Jordan athlete. Yeah. I think Oh, my fault. No. No. How has that um how has that process been for you about I know you had a AAOU program, but really in incorporating that program into the EBL with somebody like like Blake. Yeah. Um you know, just how how’s that experience been? Uh, I mean, it’s been it’s been great, man. Like, we’re both we both play in EBL. Um, we understand how hard it is just to have a EBL team. Like, you have to you don’t just you don’t just get those. You know what I’m saying? Those are earned. And when you have an EBL team, you have to you have to win. You know what I’m saying? And, um, obviously my little brother’s on the team um, on on the youngest team that we have. Uh, and he’s going to continue to grow with the as the years grow with him. Um uh but but he knows just like all the other guys know in my organization. They got to win. You know what I’m saying? Like um or we we not going to be a a legends for very long. You know what I’m saying? And and me and Blake are making sure that we we get the right kids that fit the the program and um that we build this the right way. And winning Peace Jam is like winning, you know what I’m saying, a national championship for a college basketball player. So I mean that’s it’s a big big deal having a an EBL team. And also too, I feel like a lot of people don’t necessarily see behind um you know, the program of on the court, but how much time you and Blake have invested, whether it be with kids, whether it be with coaching, um whether it be just with overall mentorship about what it means to be a pro, what it means to be a winner. For sure, you know, and and steps that they can take, as corny as it sounds, but like to eventually become a legend in their own right. No, for sure. And I think that’s like when guys like when you play for AU team like you you want guys that uh that you can look up to that you can touch that are in positions or have been in positions that you want to go to. So I mean that that always makes the the transition to any next level easier having somebody that you can reach out to or or talk to that can give you advice that can make your life easier for whatever you need. So yeah any of these kids they have me and Blake at their resource. Like I mean some some some teams have one guy like we got two. You know what I’m saying? So that makes it a plus, right? Um and and what an amazing experience that could be as a you know young 15, 16 or 17 year old to not only feel like that you have pros at your disposal that want your best or that have your best interest at heart that can give you the the resources to whatever it is take that next step. in your life. You know, for me, I was a D1 basketball player, but I played division three and how important basketball was to propelling me to my next step in life. Um, you know, I can only imagine like how impactful Legends has been to a lot of these kids growing up and having that EYBL experience. Oh, yeah. No, they’re going they going to have an experience. So, I know these these kids get to play in front of college coaches 24/7 now. So, it’s it’s definitely an experience. And I think some people don’t don’t remember, but not only Blake did Blake go to OU, but Blake was one of the best kids in the country from Oklahoma. And at the time, we you know, we hadn’t really seen somebody of Blake’s caliber um kind of in that in that st where he was. I think there’s a picture that we’ll reference here. Um but like I don’t know if you’re at like a like a youth camp or or a clinic of his, but I you look you look like 11. Yeah. He definitely treated me like a little kid in that moment looking back at it. Blake Blake’s funny, man. And he’s the the comedy that you see how he is off the off the court on camera is the same way he is 24/7. So, no, these kids like they have two guys that they can reference to that came through the the roots from Oklahoma and I mean got it got it out and made it out and they have resources. Yeah. Really excited to see him more on TV this year, especially with uh you know, the Amazon Prime. Oh, yeah. Uh partnership with the NBA. So, um, yeah, really looking forward to that. Yeah. No, and and what’s also crazy Yeah, I was Yeah, I was that kid at the the camp, too. Like it was a camp that that picture came out and um what’s really cool about that is DeAndre Jordan came as like a visitor. And if you seen Oh, we may show some some clips here, but DeAndre me and DeAndre getting in tussles and there’s a time me and him were just pushing each other and just playing. Yeah. and we both got texts, but we were literally just playing with each other, but we’ve we’ve known each other since he’s known me since I was that kid at that camp. And so, um, it’s it’s crazy cuz there’s there’s multiple interactions between me and DJ that like we’re that’s like the big bro now. You know what I’m saying? But he’s known me since I was I was that that age. And so, it’s that’s the thing about this league. And for me, it’s it’s even more weird. And I understand why it can be probably more weird for other guys cuz I was around these guys when I was a little kid going to Thunder Games and all these guys. And so now that I’m playing it’s like they they’ve they’ve had this picture of me since I was a little kid. You know what I’m saying? So maybe when I’m playing it’s it’s it’s a different feel. So I mean we may not be the the bestest of friends off the court because they’ve they’ve seen me as a little kid. But um but I’m still here. and we’re in the same league and it’s cool. You know what I’m saying? And though that camp was was really the first time I met a lot of NBA players. So, and now it’s crazy to see that full circle moment of you see guys who are getting drafted now who are um you know at the EBL Nike elite camps or um it’s the same thing. Yeah, it’s the same thing where they have mentors like you and and other athletes come in and and mentor them throughout the process to see that full server moment is pretty sick. It’s tough. Yeah. you know, as we kind of transition towards just the summer overall. Um, you know, we’re about we’re we’re about six weeks away from camp or so. Um, now is when guys really start to crank it up, you know, in terms of of their prep, getting ready for the season. What do these last six weeks, six weeks or so look like for you as you continue to gear up for training camp? And and what are some of the things that you’re doing dayto-day to make sure you’re ready to go? Yeah, I mean, I I uh I kind of did my summer differently this year. I I don’t know why, but I just felt like I just needed to to keep training until the season was over, like till the the Thunder won the finals. So, I mean, even when the season was over, like I think I like I took maybe two days off and was like with with my my family and we went to uh Great Wolf Lodge in Atlanta um for a few days and then we we went back to Oklahoma and I was I was backlifting like that next day. Yeah. And so I didn’t want to stop working out until the finals was over just cuz I wanted to, you know what I’m saying? You want to prepare like you’re going to play, you know what I’m saying, in those moments and and this long into the season. So you don’t want to stop training and and then next year we get to this point and my body’s not accustomed to working out in this this month, you know what I’m saying? Or this time. And so this summer I I I worked out until the finals was over. And then now I’m uh I’m taking a little bit more of a time off and time of a break. Um, and then I’m going to kick it kick it back up here soon. But that’s that’s a little bit different how I how I approach it this summer. Interesting. And when you start to prep your body for what the NBA season holds, what would you say that is the most common misconception about how NBA players get ready to go for those 82 games? Because 82 games is a lot of games. and especially somebody like you who’s I know his like one of one of your main priorities is to make sure you’re available for your team 82 games you know how how do you take those steps to make sure you’re ready to go not only for the start but for the full 82 yeah I mean some of it I mean I’ve I’ve been fortunate enough I I’ll admit I’ve had some luck with with not getting injured but I also do take care of my body like I mean I make sure like I mean especially when we’re getting closer to the season that I mean I’m getting more rest like I’m definitely taking care of more of my body. Um cuz I know I got to get my mind and everything ready cuz you can’t it’s like it’s like driving a car after it’s like driving a car after 6 months. You know what I’m saying? It may not start. You can’t just you can’t just not use it. You know what I’m saying? So for me, you got to always constantly do little things here and there here and there throughout the season and make sure even if you have an off day like make sure you’re getting your stretches in, make sure you get a massage. like I constantly get massages and things like that on your body. So for me, I would rather be available during the games than than anything else. That’s that’s my main priority. So to wrap up the show, we’re going to be answering some of you all’s questions that you all submitted online to us um for Trey. Trey, we’ll start with what’s a what’s a moment from last season that you think about often? Dang. a moment I I think about from us on the run the in the inseason tournament the cup but also like the the the last few games I didn’t like how we ended. There’s definitely a few moments in there um that I wish wish were different. I don’t I don’t think there’s one that stands out. I’m sorry I can’t answer that but I’m just a I’m just a level it’s it’s a long I feel you. Um, who’s a Hawks teammate that is much funnier than people realize? Um, Zack. Zach is probably Yeah, Rook is hilarious. Um, or Mo Gay. Um, those two guys um are very funny. Very like quietly funny. Dyson is too. Yeah, Dyson is my pick. Dyson is Dyson is very very uh very quick with his funniness. Uh what’s your go-to meal um throughout the season? Go-to meal? Go-to meal? Um I’m a big I mean it depends. Like if we in cities where Canes is at, I’m still I’m getting Canes. It don’t matter. Um bro, the obsession is crazy. And uh but for me, Chipotle, never can go wrong. Mhm. Making sure you can get a burrito, you know what I’m saying? a ball, whatever. Those two things for sure. What’s one move that you’ve stolen from another player and added to your your bag? Um, I mean, my Sham God, if you don’t give Guy Sham got enough credit, you know what I’m saying? He just got I think he just got a new new role in in Orlando. But that’s something that I’ve had since I was in middle school, high school. So, I got to work out with him once and I was in high school. and we we’ve had a great relationship since. So, I mean I I don’t remember the first time I pulled it in the game. I remember being a a kid going to the Y and um yeah, I mean like yeah, the sham guy like that was I seen my dad brought it up um so he showed me the highlight when he did it in college uh I think at Providence. So when he did that, um, I was able to to go to the Y and and try it on some older guys and see if it worked. And it did. And I I’ve done it against high school, high school, and all the way up to now. So for sure, that’s definitely one of my favorite moves. What’s the most underrated skill in today’s game? Um, the most underrated skill. I think I know mine. What would you say? Passing. That’s that’s very it’s definitely a a skill that’s underrated. But I feel like cuz if you a nasty passer like you can’t you shouldn’t play in my opinion. Like what you can’t like if you can’t pass Yeah. if you can’t like if you can’t fundamentally throw somebody like a good pass or make alltime reads or all that like you just mess the whole game up. You know what I mean? like um but some some of these guys are 7 foot from block shots and don’t get me wrong I uh I’m not saying it’s an absolute deal breaker but I feel I feel every every person who steps on a on a on an NBA floor should have at least a bare minimum of ability I agree but I my answer my answer to this question I’d probably say an underrated skill is just common sense [ __ ] I think common sense is a a skill. What What do you mean by that exactly? I mean, there’s I mean, there’s a lot of guys in this league, I mean, that are very talented, very talented, and been skilled their whole life, and that’s gotten them to this point. You know what I’m saying? And that’s how some guys end up fading out and not end up being able just to stick into the league. You know what I’m saying? And the guys that have both, the guys that have, you know what I’m saying, that the skills with the the minds and the the santness to to the game, like you’re u you’re an unbelievable player, you know what I’m saying? And so yeah, I think common sense is an underrated skill that I mean goes goes unnoticed. Adaptability, too. You know, I think that’s especially as guys start to enter in different parts of their career. Maybe they get traded and all of a sudden they’re serving a different role on another team. Oh yeah. Or uh you know they get older and they have to adopt more of a reserved role. Whatever that is. The guys who really you know prolong their career are the ones who are very adaptive to their environment. For sure. Um last question. Who’s a player from the 2000s era that you think would shine in today’s game and why? Who’s the players in the 2000s? Um AI. AI was for sure. ARI was for sure. Um I don’t I don’t agree with the He would average 40 like maybe gassing a little bit, but he would do what he did. You know what I’m saying? He averaged crazy numbers. Like it’s not like it would be any tougher for him or anything like that. But um I think obviously guys like a guy like AI there’s a lot of guys but I mean damn I’mma say I’m going say Melo. Oh yeah. Probably Melo. I feel like Melo even whenever he’s later in his career he could still play a little bit. He just got older and his body wouldn’t let him do what his mind was telling him. So yeah, I feel like if he was younger and he was playing in today’s game, he would be able to do the same thing like New York Melo end of end of season or uh end of Denver tenure mellow. Yeah, agreed. Yeah, agreed with it. Thank you for the question. That’s another episode of From the Point by your favorite point. Till next time. Thank you again to Dre in Las Vegas for hosting us. We’re super excited for From the Point weekend, the weekend of September 7th in Norman, Oklahoma. Please save the date. Um, until next time. Peace.

Trae Young is back with a new podcast from 2025 Summer League!

Trae links up with Winston to give his honest thoughts on the Atlanta Hawks’ new additions — Asa Newell, Kristaps Porziņģis, Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker — and reveals his involvement in the Kennard and NAW signings.

He also shares the story behind the viral photo of him and Blake Griffin from when Trae was much younger (and how DeAndre Jordan was involved), and what it’s like to be running the Legynds EYBL team with Blake. Plus, he gives his thoughts on WNBA All-Star, discusses his relationship with Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark, and announces details about the upcoming second annual From the Point Weekend!

To wrap things up, he takes fan questions about everything from the funniest Hawks teammate to what move he stole from another player.

👇 Drop your favorite move of the offseason in the comments and let us know who you’re most excited to see in a Hawks jersey!

Produced by @DepartmentOfAthletics

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