The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Most intriguing individual matchups series – Southeast Division

By Jared Woodcox

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz tries to stop Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on January 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz tries to stop Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on January 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 13: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks draws a foul from Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at State Farm Arena on March 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 13: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks draws a foul from Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at State Farm Arena on March 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young vs. Mike Conley

The Atlanta Hawks will most likely have a hard time breaking into the playoffs this season as their core is still very young and inexperienced. However, even with that being the case, they could still very well be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA in 2019-20.

That’s because not only is their roster young, but it’s dynamic, full of up-and-coming studs from rookie De’Andre Hunter to second-year sharpshooter Kevin Huerter, to rising star John Collins.

But the guy that has the most buzz about him, is coming off a tremendous rookie campaign, and could very well ultimately be the face of this rising Hawks franchise is none other than point guard Trae Young. After somewhat of a slow start, Young ended up having a terrific finish to his rookie season. Post-All-Star break he put up a whopping 24.7 points and 9.2 assists per game while converting on nearly 45 percent of his field goal attempts.

His perimeter shooting – a trait he is widely known for – left a little to be desired from an efficiency standpoint, but there’s no questioning that as Trae continues to improve, he’ll continue to be one of the more dangerous deep-ball and overall scoring threats in the league. Therefore, when the Jazz and Hawks face off this upcoming season, there’s no debating that the matchup between he and Mike Conley will be the one to keep tabs on.

Conley and Young are different in a lot of ways as their styles come largely from two different generations, but both are prolific in their own right. Conley certain has the edge in defensive prowess, but Young may very well be the naturally more gifted shooter of the two as he continues to refine his game.

Surprisingly, on an individual level, Young got the better of Conley in both meetings between the Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies last season, though their teams split the series one game apiece. With Conley now boasting so many weapons around him that should pave the way for multiple opportunities, ideally he’ll be able to correct both those areas this upcoming year.

Either way, this matchup will feature an established dominant point guard versus one that is quickly on the rise and is the leader of his squad. As such, expect both to put on a show to remember when Utah and Atlanta face off this season.

Scheduled Contests:

  • 12/19 Utah at Atlanta
  • 3/28 Atlanta at Utah
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