Before Trae Young was a 2019 NBA All-Rookie First Team selection or the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, he was playing for the University of Oklahoma. Even before his collegiate career, Young was playing at Norman Noth High School in Norman, Oklahoma.
The Atlanta Hawks guard also happened to grow up as a Thunder fan. His family became season ticket holders when the team made the move from Seattle — which was also Russell Westbrook’s rookie year. So when Young spoke with reporters his Oklahoma-based basketball camp on Saturday, he addressed the recent trade between the Thunder and the Houston Rockets.
It’s crazy seeing him go. I know people in Oklahoma are going to welcome him back whenever they play the Rockets here with open arms just because of everything he’s done for the city. Every time I talk to Russ, we go and joke about Oklahoma and things about, I mean, just how he made such a big impact in the community, as well — like I feel I hopefully have. So I know he loves it [here]. He has a special place [in] his heart here in Oklahoma. So he loves it and I know he’s sad to be going. I know Oklahoma people are sad, too.
