Reggie Miller On Trae Young's Confidence: "People Say Borderline Cocky. I Don't Mind That. I Like A Guy Who Is Confident In His Skills."

(via SBNation.com)

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Over the course of these playoffs, Trae Young has managed to defeat two teams with top-tier defenses in the league in the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers. Trae Young has played at an extremely high level offensively to lead his team, and part of that is about his confidence in himself and his abilities.

We've seen instances of Trae Young's confidence show on the court this season. There was the instance where he "shushed" the New York crowd after a made floater, or the instance where he shimmied, right before draining a 3PT shot in the Bucks arena.

There are definitely opposing fans who aren't in favor of Trae Young's confidence. Trae Young is viewed as the villain by some fanbases. However, Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller is a fan of Young's confidence in his abilities. In a recent article by Jeff Zillgit, he revealed some of Miller's words on the young superstar.

It’s his confidence, that’s what I love most about him. People say borderline cocky. I don’t mind that. I like a guy who is confident in his skills. People have got to understand (what) it takes to be not only a professional athlete. But the skillset Trae has — the shooting, the dribbling, the tear drops, the floaters, the runners — that’s countless hours in the gym. I respect that because I’ve been there. I know that. There’s a lot of sacrifice that goes into that. I like the ego that he has. It’s something that’s fun to watch.

Not everyone is going to be able to wear the white hat and be cheered and adored in foreign buildings. Michael Jordan was adored everywhere he went, not only at home but on the road. He was the best player. I embraced and I loved wearing the black hat. It kind of looks like Trae enjoys being on the road, performing at the highest stakes and quieting crowds.

I think it’s all a mindset, and I think he’s accepting that he’s not the beloved player. Certainly, at home, he is. But his skill set is so good, and he’s so talented, I think the reason people boo and jeer is they respect his game. I hope he feels that way. He’s only 22 years old. He has a lifetime of a career left. But I hope he understands the reason they’re saying and doing these things is that they really respect his game. I think he’ll appreciate it the older he gets.

But it’s been a joy to watch. … To see it up close, an unbelievable talent, and it looks like he’s having fun with it.”

It is clear that Trae Young will need to stay confident and play at a high level in order for the Atlanta Hawks to make the NBA Finals. However, it seems that sustaining his belief in himself won't be a problem. Many didn't view the Atlanta Hawks as a serious playoff team, but now they're three games away from the Conference Finals. The Atlanta Hawks have a genuine chance to win the title this season, and the key to that will be Trae Young.