Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young gets recognition from the NBA

The Atlanta Hawks are an organization that believes in being involved in their community. Not only do they represent their team on the sporting stage, they also are actively involved in programs that benefit members of the community who are less privileged.

They also encourage their players to do the same. Earlier this season John Collins launched a program that supported families of military personnel. He has shown true leadership on and off the court, which, as the longest-tenured player on the team sets a culture for the rest of the players to follow.

Fortunately for the Hawks, Trae Young has had a mind for the community and a desire to make life better for kids in both Atlanta and in his home state of Oklahoma. One of the many likable characteristics of Young is that he never forgets where he came from.

Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young got some recognition from the NBA.

The NBA awarded Young the February NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente. This monthly award is given to a player who represents who best demonstrates the league’s and players’ passion for giving back to their communities.

Young Founded the Trae Young Family Foundation with the goal of raising awareness, resources, and support around mental health issues. He has even, through the foundation, donated $4 million to build the Young Family Athletic Center in his native Oklahoma.

Young has supported the team’s alliances with mental health non-profit Silence the Shame which is trying to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health. He also partnered with well-known celebrities and Snapchat to help youth mental health.

Young is a true example of what the NBA is looking for in someone who can represent them on broader social issues. This is important for the league, which does so much for the communities that they are involved in. Let’s hope that this is not the last time that the NBA recognizes Young for the season.