Since entering the league, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks has played against the best of the best and has shown his skills versus the people he grew up admiring.

When asked who his dream matchup was when coming into the NBA, Young had a clear answer: Russell Westbrook.

“It was Russ, just because of OKC and all that stuff. Russ is just a big mentor (for me). It was Russ for me,” Young said.

Trae Young says Russ was his dream matchup coming into the league

“It was Russ, just because of OKC and all that stuff. Russ is just a big mentor (for me). It was Russ for me”. pic.twitter.com/OiB9iPUR0e

— ᴇʀᴀ (@TheWestbrookEra) September 17, 2025

Young is referring to Westbrook’s years with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

During his 11 years with the Thunder, Westbrook averaged 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.4 assists.

He became the team’s most important player, especially when Kevin Durant left the team for the Golden State Warriors.

Westbrook has always been a fierce fighter on the court and his time with the Thunder was a prime example of that.

Again and again, he battled against everyone and played with explosive energy and a strong attitude and commitment to himself, his team, and getting better.

The Thunder never won a title with Westbrook, but his run with them is still the stuff of legends.

Young watched Westbrook during his years with the Thunder and that was surely a huge influence on him and helped him turn into the sort of player he is.

There are echoes of Westbrook in his game, and that’s no coincidence.

Now, Young gets to play against Westbrook and is still taking a few pointers from him.

Because of the type of player he is, Young is smart to rely on Westbrook as his mentor.

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