The Atlanta Hawks have begun to hit their stride under Quin Snyder, especially when you consider the expectations for this team coming into the season. Hawks star Trae Young has been bought in and remains so.
But Young also appreciates the game, and that even applies to other coaches. That is easier to do when they are not rivals.
That was the case when Young tipped his cap to UConn’s Dan Hurley.
Hurley went viral during a game against Butler, screaming that an official not turn their back on him. and Young was among the many fans to notice. Among the many things the Huskies coach said was that he is the “best coach in the f****** sport.”
“This dude is insane,” Young said in a post along with a clip of Hurley on X on January 21. Hate it or Love it.. gotta respect it.”
Hurley did not apologize after the game. Instead, he said that he would prefer it if cameras were not on him during games.
Honestly, I get why people don't love Dan Hurley. But the guy is just the best version of a basketball crazy person. I love the entire experience. He gets who he is, he's unapologetic about it. Just an incredibly fun dude to have around the game of basketball. pic.twitter.com/o91aU4OQna
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) January 22, 2025
Snyder has never been shy about expressing himself on the sideline. He has gone viral for his facial expressions long before he was making them on the Hawks’ sideline, and that has continued since.
Trae Young, dad laments road game on MLK Day
Young’s father, Rayford Young, also weighed in on Hurley’s outburst, pointing to Kansas’ Bill Self in reaction to the Huskies head chair’s assertion.
More notably, the elder Young lamented the Hawks not playing at home on MLK Day.
“The fact that it’s MLK Day and the @ATLHawks aren’t playing in Atlanta, and it’s NOT on National Television against the @nyknicks is DISAPPOINTING,” Young posted on X on January 20. “Just my biased opinion though.”
The Hawks star became the third player in NBA history to record at least 5 assists in 200 straight games, joining Hall of Famers Isaiah Thomas and Johnson Stockton.
Trae Young just recorded his 200th consecutive game with 5+ assists. 👏👏
— NBA (@NBA) January 20, 2025
He's the 3rd player in NBA history to reach such a streak, joining John Stockton (336) and Isiah Thomas (209). pic.twitter.com/GVnkjYoKjO
Trae Young called the league out when the holiday slate was announced.
“MLK disappointed in y’all,” the Hawks guard said in a post on X in August 2024. “I’m sorry Atlanta.”
The Hawks lost to the Knicks, but the missed opportunity to continue what should be a tradition seems like the greater miss. The Hawks and Knicks will play again this season, once again in New York and then in Atlanta. This past matchup itself was entertaining.
However, this was a time to help raise the Hawks’ national profile and the NBA failed to do so.