Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. shared high praise for longtime friend Trae Young, calling the Atlanta Hawks star the best player in the world at his size.
Speaking on his podcast, Porter reflected on their shared history dating back to AAU basketball and the Peach Jam Championship they won together as teenagers.
“Trae’s been one of my best friends ever since we were young,” Porter said, via HoopsHype. “We played AAU together. We won a Peach Jam EYBL Championship together. And now, to see him doing what he’s doing in the league is amazing.”
Porter emphasized just how rare Young’s success has been given his physical profile.
“At that height and that weight, you know, he’s the best in the world,” Porter added. “Who would have thought, when we were coming up, that he would be in the position he’s in now?”
Young has established himself as one of the NBA’s elite point guards since entering the league in 2018. Last season, he averaged 24.2 points and a career-best 11.6 assists, leading the Hawks’ offense as their primary playmaker. Over his career, he has posted 25.3 points and 9.8 assists per game.
Porter noted that he and Young continue to train together during the offseason, saying he is proud of his friend’s growth on and off the court.
The timing of Porter’s remarks comes as Young’s future in Atlanta has become a subject of discussion. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the guard is not expected to enter extension talks this offseason, with both sides preferring to evaluate the Hawks’ new roster before making long-term commitments.
Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension through June 2026, but reports suggest his camp may wait until the final guaranteed year of his contract before addressing his $49 million player option for 2026-27.
Atlanta’s front office has made significant changes this summer, adding Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. Head coach Quin Snyder has praised Young’s leadership, noting his increased defensive focus as the franchise seeks to break its streak of early playoff exits.
For Porter, however, the conversation around his friend goes beyond contracts and team decisions. His message was simple: Young has reached a level that once seemed improbable.
“I’m proud of him,” Porter said. “We’re going to continue to get this good work in throughout the couple weeks that I’m out here.”
