Trae Young remains one of the NBA‘s most debated figures, particularly regarding his place among the league‘s elite. Entering the 2025-26 season, Young was ranked No. 10 in the NBA Eastern Conference player rankings by NBA.com‘s Shaun Powell, sparking discussions about whether that spot accurately reflects his impact. Known for his offensive creativity and ability to generate opportunities for his teammates, Young’s role as a key playmaker for the Atlanta Hawks keeps him relevant in these rankings despite ongoing questions about his defense and efficiency.
Strengths and Limitations in Trae Young’s Game
Young is considered among the league‘s best offensive talents, shown by his leading the NBA in assists last season with 11.6 per game and averaging 24.2 points. His skill in pulling up for deep shots and creating chances rivals only a few, like Nikola Jokic. However, Young’s defensive shortcomings and turnover rate are notable liabilities, drawing criticism from analysts. While Young carries a significant offensive burden on his team nightly, his leaky defense keeps him from being placed higher by some evaluators.
Despite these challenges, Young has made efforts to improve his defensive play, attempting to reduce his impact as a defensive weakness. This balancing act between offensive brilliance and defensive struggles makes his ranking a difficult decision within a competitive Eastern Conference.
The Eastern Conference’s Changing Landscape and Its Effect on Rankings
The ranking context is also shaped by key injuries affecting top Eastern Conference players. Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers are both expected to miss the entire season, weakening their teams and creating opportunities for others to climb the ranks. With these absences, Young’s position at No. 10 may carry more weight, given the overall star power in the conference has taken a hit.
Shaun Powell’s overview highlights Young’s offensive gifts alongside his weaknesses:
“He’s one of the NBA’s most gifted offensive players, and that’s not a stretch. As a scorer and passer, few (if any) have done it quite like Young in the 2020s. He has led the league in total assists three times, and his 11.6 apg led the NBA last season. He averaged 24.2 ppg in 2024-25 while serving as a consistent threat to pull up well beyond the arc. His shooting efficiency dropped last season (41.1% overall, 34% on 3-pointers), and he remains a notoriously leaky defender. To his credit, though, Young is at least trying harder to prevent being such a liability on that end of the floor.” —Shaun Powell, NBA.com
Full List of Top Ten Eastern Conference Players for 2025-26
The players ranked ahead of Trae Young reflect a strong blend of scoring, defense, and overall impact on their teams. Here is the complete list of the Eastern Conference’s top players for the upcoming season:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
2. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
3. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers
4. Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic
5. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
6. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
7. Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers
8. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
9. Karl-Anthony Towns – New York Knicks
10. Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks
Assessing Whether No. 10 Is a Fair Placement
Given the talent around him and the recent injuries that have sidelined other stars, Trae Young’s placement at No. 10 may actually be a fair pose, rather than an underestimation. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the uncontested top player in the conference, and absent Jayson Tatum, the gap between Young and the higher-ranked stars becomes more apparent. This season will be crucial for Young to demonstrate his full value, especially with the roster moves Atlanta has made to support him.
Atlanta Hawks’ Offseason Moves Set the Stage for Young’s Success
Atlanta’s front office has committed significant resources to improve the supporting cast around Young, strengthening both the offense and defense for the new season. The Hawks acquired Kristaps Porzingis via trade and drafted Asa Newell to add young talent. They also secured key free agents like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who signed a four-year, $62 million deal, and Luke Kennard, locked in for one year at $11 million. Additionally, Atlanta obtained an unprotected first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans, showcasing the team’s aggressive push to build a contender.
These reinforcements aim to provide Young with more shooting, defensive help, and a solid depth chart — key elements he has lacked in previous seasons. Analysts widely view Atlanta’s offseason moves as a sign the Hawks are serious about competing deeply in the upcoming season.
Implications for Trae Young and the Hawks in 2025-26
With added talent and a potentially easier path in a weakened Eastern Conference, Young’s opportunity to change narratives around his career is significant. He is expected not only to lead the Hawks to the playoffs but to push beyond that milestone. How Young performs with his enhanced supporting cast will likely affect future rankings and perceptions of his overall impact within the league.
This season offers a pivotal moment for Trae Young to solidify his place among the Eastern Conference’s top players and reflect whether the No. 10 ranking matches his true standing as one of the NBA’s premier point guards.