Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s a detailed profile of basketballer Trae Young:

  • Full Name: Rayford Trae Young
  • Nickname: Ice Trae (due to game-winning shots)
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born September 19, 1998
  • Hometown: Lubbock, Texas, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters)
  • Weight: 164 pounds (74 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 13 (US)
  • Shoe Brand: Air Jordan 39, Adidas Trae Young 3, Adidas Trae Young 2, Adidas Trae Young 1, Adidas N3XT L3V3L 2020, Adidas N3XT L3V3L, Adidas Harden B/E 2, Nike Kyrie 4
  • Number: Wears #11
  • Position: Point Guard
  • High School: Norman North High School (Norman, Oklahoma)
  • College: University of Oklahoma (2017–2018)
  • NBA Draft: 2018 NBA Draft, 1st Round, 5th overall by the Dallas Mavericks (traded to the Atlanta Hawks)
  • Teams Played For:
    • Atlanta Hawks (2018–present)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Has one son, Tydus Reign Young, born in 2022
  • Siblings: Has three siblings—Caitlyn Young (sister), Tim Young (brother), and Camryn Young (brother)

The player archetype for Trae Young is a high-usage offensive engine built around deep-range shooting and elite playmaking, functioning as a primary initiator who controls tempo and generates offense through pick-and-roll manipulation. Defensively, he is typically tasked with guarding lower-usage perimeter players and operating within team schemes that emphasize positioning and help coverage rather than on-ball disruption. Offensively, Young serves as the Hawks’ lead creator, blending high-volume three-point shooting, floater-range scoring, and advanced passing reads to create opportunities for teammates while maintaining significant scoring pressure himself. Physically, he is undersized for a point guard but compensates with tight handle, quick change of pace, and exceptional touch, allowing him to thrive despite limited length and strength. His play style centers on spacing the floor far beyond the arc, drawing defenders into high screens, and exploiting defensive coverage with lobs, skip passes, and pull-up threes, making him one of the league’s most ball-dominant yet creative offensive orchestrators.

Notes:

  • Trae Young’s height without shoes was measured at 6’0″ (1.83 meters) during the NBA draft combine. With shoes, his height is listed as 6’1″ (1.85 meters), which is the official height recorded on team rosters.
  • Trae Young’s playing weight is listed at 164 pounds (74 kg).
  • Tracy McGrady mentions Trae Young as one of the best young players in the NBA (2024).

Player Insights

Player Updates — March 2, 2025:
Trae Young had a credible case for selection to the All-Star Game, but his omission reflects how team context can influence individual recognition. The Atlanta Hawks’ inconsistent performance and recurring trade speculation surrounding Young likely impacted perception among voters and decision-makers. Public reporting about leadership concerns can shape narratives, and those narratives often affect All-Star outcomes. If league talent depth continues to increase, strong individual seasons may be overlooked more frequently, particularly when a player’s team lacks stability or momentum.

Player Updates — October 19, 2024:
Before the 2024–25 season, Charles Barkley ranked Young 46th overall, behind players such as Derrick White (40) and Tyler Herro (42). That ordering is debatable when evaluating overall offensive responsibility and playmaking load. White’s inclusion with Team USA highlighted his value as a low-usage, two-way system player, which fit international roster needs, but that role differs from the primary-creator demands Young handles. Herro has demonstrated scoring ability, though questions remain about sustained consistency and leading an offense over extended stretches. From a comprehensive individual-impact perspective, Young’s scoring creation and assist volume support an argument for a higher ranking.

Player Updates — September 3, 2024:
Trade speculation involving Young has persisted despite limited viable offers, raising questions about long-term direction. Young remains a productive offensive engine whose shooting range and playmaking provide both on-court value and marketability. Concerns about size are often overstated; historically, smaller guards such as Allen Iverson have thrived in high-usage roles. Star players can also drive fan engagement—similar to how Tracy McGrady elevated interest during his tenure with the Houston Rockets. Retaining a recognizable franchise centerpiece can support competitive continuity and long-term audience growth, particularly when the player produces at a high offensive level.

Sources:
NBA.com — Trae Young Player Profile
The Athletic — How Trae Young bends defenses with his floater and deep range
Basketball-Reference — Trae Young Overview