Trae Young Leads NBA in Assists as Wizards’ New Season Begins

Young has quickly resumed his place among the league’s top passers in Washington, following an eight-year stint as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. He has adjusted to a roster with other players who can initiate the offense, rather than relying on him to handle the ball on nearly every possession.

His usage rate is 24.7%, the lowest of his career, but he is still producing assists at a leading pace. Young has shared opportunities with developing creators such as Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, AJ Dybantsa and Kyshawn George, as well as Anthony Davis, Washington’s leading scorer.

The early-season assist average marks the fourth time Young has averaged a double-double with assists. His previous high was 11.6 assists per game in 2024-25, when he earned his fourth and most recent All-Star selection.

Shooting has been a concern. Young is making 39% of his shots from the field and 26.2% from three-point range, both career lows by substantial margins. The numbers raise questions about whether he can still create enough separation to score effectively, particularly as defenses respond to his changing approach.

For now, Young’s passing remains a major part of Washington’s offense. The team’s developing wing creators could give him more chances to contribute without dominating possession, while also helping cover defensive weaknesses. Continued success will depend in part on whether his teammates keep growing as scorers and how Young’s shooting develops.