Call it a snub or just a victimization of playing in a league of the most talented and gifted athletes known today, but Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young was initially left off the All-Star ballot. It was a disappointing outcome for one of the best point guards in the NBA. The 3x All-Star felt he should have been called for a fourth time. Well, his “snub” is in the past now. Because of an injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Young will get his fourth All-Star appearance. However, his reaction isn’t what most would expect from a player who belongs in the category mentioned in the opening sentence.
Trae Young Puts Team Before Self With All-Star Nod
Trae Young Accepts All-Star Call-Up To Put Atlanta Hawks First
Young unquestionably belongs in the crop of the most talented and gifted athletes known today, especially in the NBA. Young was left out of the final voting, which was questionable given his numbers. He averages 23.4 points and 3.2 boards per night, alongside 11.4 assists. His assists are a career-high, and he leads the entire NBA this season in that category. Granted, the Hawks have struggled with inconsistency all year. They are eighth in the East and two games below .500 (26-28). His team record could have played a role in the final All-Star voting. Losing De’Andre Hunter just last week via trade only makes things a little harder going forward.
Now that Young is in due to Giannis’s injury, it will be his fourth All-Star selection, and it is well deserved. However, interestingly enough, Young admitted that for certain reasons, he would have chosen to decline the offer to replace Giannis. Young spoke with Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal recently and detailed his reasons why, but he also expressed his excitement to represent his city and team.
“I mean, if it was just about me and things like that, like I wouldn’t, I probably wouldn’t have accepted it, but I understand, like, who I’m representing and it’s not just me. It’s about the city, it’s about my teammates that helped me get to this position, my coaches that have given us great advice and leadership all year that helped me get to this position. It’s not just about me. So, that’s really the reason why I accepted it, but I understand like, the system isn’t the same like we’re used to, and so that’s why I was never really mad or anything like I would when I was younger.”
Could This Be the Last Time Ice Trae Represents the ATL?
While it’s great to see Young rewarded with an All-Star spot, it’s fair to wonder if it could be his final appearance as a Hawk in this event. Young has been the subject of trade rumors out of Atlanta for two years now. Questions surrounding his ability to lead the Hawks to a championship have surfaced. He’s even been linked to teams as a trade possibility. The Los Angeles Lakers have been a prominent team on that list, but nothing has ever materialized.
Young’s future in Atlanta is unclear, and he could be repping the Hawks for the final time. Of course, much of this is speculation, and Young could be in Atlanta for many years to come. Still, it’s something to think about. In the meantime, Young is an All-Star yet again. If you’re an Ice Trae fan, you would do well to enjoy it along with him.
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