Hawks guard Trae Young announced the death of his great-grandfather Thursday in social media posts on Twitter and Instagram.
Young also posted on Instagram stories “Rest Easy Grandpa!! Gonna Miss You!” along with a photo of him as a child with his great-grandfather. He also shared that his great-grandfather had the chance to see Trae Young’s son, Tydus Young, this past week.
He has taken inspiration from his family throughout his life, mentioning that another grandfather, who died when he was 10, was his biggest inspiration. The Trae Young Foundation donated a court in his honor in Texas last year.
It hasn’t been the easiest of weeks for Young, whose Hawks have lost the first two games of their Eastern Conference playoffs series against the Celtics. Young’s troubles from last year’s playoffs have spilled over into this year’s, with Young making only three of his 13 3-point shots in the first two games.
Since Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals in 2021, Young has struggled in the postseason. He has shot 17.5% on 3-point shots on 7.1 attempts per game.
But Young has promised to be better when the Hawks return to State Farm Arena on Friday.
“I can be better,” he said following the Hawks’ loss in Game 2 on Tuesday. “I didn’t shoot the ball really well. I did have some turnovers where I was just driving and (the ball) left my hands, but I’m gonna be better at home.”
The Hawks and Celtics tip off at 7 p.m. Friday at State Farm Arena and look to regain their footing. Hawks coach Quin Snyder said that Young came into the practice facility early Thursday to take some shots and participated fully in practice. Snyder added that Young will be ready to go.
“I think it starts with his mindset, and really, it’s true for all our guys,” Snyder said. “As far as taking what the defense gives, you know, we want to make quick reads, want to attack the rim. You want to run, but you know, they’re a team that really loads and shifts. The ball slows down ... and they get set.
“Sometimes, you know, the look from 3 is the best look you’re gonna get, you know. I want Trey to be aggressive. He knows that he’s been in (the practice facility) in the last couple of days, you know, taking shots, as have all our guys.”
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