Trae Young Implies He Snubbed NBA All-Star Game

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young may have declined to play in two NBA All-Star Games.
Trae Young Implies He Snubbed NBA All-Star Game
Trae Young Implies He Snubbed NBA All-Star Game /
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Over the past two years, a strong narrative has been circulating among Atlanta Hawks fans. The belief is that Trae Young has been overlooked for prestigious awards and honors. Most notably, the 2021 and 2023 NBA All-Star Game.

However, the truth might be stranger than fiction. According to The Athletic reporter Chris Kirschner, Young declined an invitation to play as an injury reserve in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Following last night's game against the San Antonio Spurs, Caleb Johnson of 92.9 FM The Game asked Young if he was asked to play in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game as a reserve. Young replied, "I stay in my lane. I don't tell my private business."

Trae Young passes the ball away from LeBron James in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.
Trae Young passes the ball away from LeBron James / © Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

So, it seems that Young's All-Star "snubs" deserve some context. But, of course, the Hawks point guard still deserved a spot on the roster in both years—especially this season, where Young has averaged roughly 27 points and ten assists per game. 

The players' vote had a more negative impact than the media or fans in this year's voting. With 25 games remaining in the regular season and Atlanta rounding into form, it is highly likely that Young will make his peers pay for the lack of All-Star game votes.


Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the Atlanta Hawks for Sports Illustrated's All Hawks. He has covered the NBA for several years and is the author of "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)".