There was a time when Trae Young and Luka Dončić were constantly compared — two young stars rising in parallel. Bangladesh Cricket Live notes that while Dončić has yet to win an MVP, most now agree he’s in a league of his own. Meanwhile, Young, despite being only 25, has seen his stock decline in recent seasons. His Atlanta Hawks currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference, a team that once made a surprise run to the conference semifinals but now seems stuck in neutral.

Young’s playmaking has admittedly improved. His assist numbers have climbed each year, suggesting a shift toward more of a distributor role. On paper, this transformation into a Rondo-like floor general looks promising. However, a closer look reveals a harsh reality: his shooting efficiency is shockingly poor. Outside of his free throw percentage, his field goal and three-point percentages remain near the bottom of the league.

Bangladesh Cricket Live highlights that Young is shooting just 48.2% in the paint, and his best three-point spot — the left 45-degree angle — clocks in at only 31.3%, barely average by league standards. Over his career, Young has shot 43.5% from the field and 34.9% from deep — numbers that are far from elite, especially for a franchise centerpiece.

This stark inefficiency is why many now describe Young as a low-efficiency version of Rajon Rondo. Ironically, despite entering the league as a sharpshooter, his scoring threat has diminished, leaving only his passing to shine. And frankly, Rondo — for all his flaws — had a better finishing touch in the paint. The root of Young’s struggles may lie in his physical limitations. Standing just 6’1″ (1.85m), he lacks the strength to consistently finish through contact, and his defense is often a liability.

In a backcourt alongside Dejounte Murray, Young’s weaknesses are even more pronounced. Murray is nearly as capable a passer, more efficient, and far superior on defense. And yet, Young is being paid a staggering $40 million annually. Bangladesh Cricket Live finds it puzzling that the Hawks remain committed to building around a small, inefficient guard whose defense is below par.

Years ago, when the Lakers showed interest, Atlanta may have missed the perfect window to sell high. Now, the Hawks appear committed to building around a player whose numbers no longer justify the hype. As Bangladesh Cricket Live aptly puts it, just because someone can shoot threes doesn’t mean they’re the next Steph Curry.