The Secret Weapon That Baffles NBA Defenders
Trae Young’s name is synonymous with highlight-reel plays, buzzer-beaters, and one of the NBA’s most lethal offensive moves — his signature floater. Despite being labeled “too small” throughout his career, the Atlanta Hawks star has silenced critics by mastering a shot that leaves defenders guessing and teammates in awe.
A Shot Born From Necessity
Young’s floater wasn’t just a skill he picked up on a whim. It became his weapon of choice from middle school, crafted under the guidance of his father, Ray, who held up a broomstick to simulate towering defenders. “I’ve been working on my floater since I was a kid,” Trae Young told ESPN. With a career average of 25.2 points and 9.7 assists per game, it’s clear this practice paid off.
While Trae Young hasn’t dunked once in his NBA career, he’s hit over 1,000 floaters — a testament to the precision and effectiveness of this shot.
Why Trae’s Floater Is So Deadly
Young’s floater is more than just a shot; it’s a chess move in basketball’s cat-and-mouse game. His release mimics his lob passes, keeping defenders in a constant state of uncertainty. As Clippers center Ivica Zubac said, “You just gotta pick your poison. If you step up, he’s going to throw that lob. If you don’t, he’s gonna shoot the floater.”
This sleight of hand makes Trae Young nearly unstoppable in pick-and-roll situations. According to Cleaning the Glass, Young ranked in the top 89th percentile for floater efficiency as a rookie. Even during a challenging 2024-25 season, his floater accuracy surged in recent weeks, coinciding with a Hawks‘ winning streak.
A Tactical Nightmare for Defenders
Drop coverage, a common pick-and-roll defense, has proven ineffective against Trae Young. Allowing him space to gather momentum toward the rim is a costly mistake, as Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks learned the hard way in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Clippers coach Ty Lue emphasized, “You can’t be in a drop versus Trae. You’ve got to be up to touch if you’re not blitzing.” Yet, even with good rim protectors, Young’s disguise between a lob and floater leaves defenses scrambling.
The Hawks’ Winning Formula
Trae Young’s floater is more than a solo effort; it’s a system weapon. His connection with Clint Capela demonstrates the move’s dual threat. Capela explained, “I need to always stay ready. I just jump.” Even when Capela is fooled, the result often leads to offensive rebounds or tip-ins.
The Showdown in Las Vegas
The Hawks’ fairytale NBA Cup run will face its ultimate test in Las Vegas against the Milwaukee Bucks and Brook Lopez. Known for preferring drop coverage, Lopez must gamble on whether Trae Young will float or lob. The stakes are high, and the Hawks’ fate may rest on Young’s ability to make defenders second-guess every move.
The Legacy of the Floater
Trae Young’s floater is more than a signature move — it’s a testament to adaptability and innovation. Critics may call him small, but his impact on the court is anything but. As the Hawks inch closer to an NBA Cup title, one thing is certain: Young’s floater is a big reason why Atlanta is rolling the dice in Las Vegas.
