Trae Young’s reputation as a shot-maker is undeniable, yet his opening to the 2026-27 season has been a real head-scratcher. He is shooting well under 40 percent from the field, and his three-ball? Barely over 30 percent. But don’t let those numbers fool you, because this guy is still the engine for a 2-1 Washington squad that is absolutely fighting to climb the Eastern Conference table.
Young’s Shot Has Flatlined Early On
Look, we all know what Trae Young can do. The man’s got three seasons with more than 200 three-pointers made, and his ‘trifecta’ shot is legendary when it’s falling. But right now, it’s just not. He’s hovering a little over 36 percent on the year, which is a full seven percentage points below his career average. Even his true shooting rate, usually a beacon for a prolific scorer, sits at 56.5 percent, a mere half a percentage point above league average. For a shooter of his caliber, per Databallr, that’s just disappointing. His scoring isn’t living up to its billing, and that’s a fact.
The Playmaking Is Still Pure Magic
So how are the Wizards 2-1? Simple: Young’s playmaking is off the charts. Seriously, this guy is leading the entire league in assists, dropping 11.3 dimes per game! Forget the shot, he’s an absolute wizard with the ball, proving to be an excellent distributor for a team that wants to surge into relevancy this season. The numbers don’t lie: he’s in the 100th percentile for points created, racking up 47.7 per game. And those rim assists? Seven a game, putting him in the 100th percentile there too. And get this, while he’s slinging the ball around, he’s kept his turnover numbers incredibly low, giving it away just 2.3 times per contest. His willingness to pull up from anywhere has always drawn attention, but it’s his passing that is making all the difference for Washington right now.
What’s Next for This Wizards Squad
This is just the start too. With AJ Dybantsa still waiting to make his debut, there’s even more offensive dynamism waiting to be unearthed within the Wizards’ ranks. You better believe Young is going to be key to unlocking all that potential. His shot might not be wet, but his vision and passing are still absolutely elite. The Wizards are only 2-1, but with Trae Young orchestrating the offense, even through his shooting woes, they’re showing they’ve got what it takes to climb that Eastern Conference table. This team wants relevancy, and Young’s incredible playmaking is going to be the engine that drives them forward as the season unfolds. Keep your eyes on Washington, because it’s going to be a wild ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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