For the third time in the last six seasons, Trae Young is an All-Star snub.
The case for Young’s inclusion is compelling. He leads the NBA in assists by a comfortable margin and leads the Eastern Conference by more than two full assists per contest. His playmaking abilities are unparalleled, with only Nikola Jokic potentially surpassing him in this aspect. Young’s impact extends beyond individual stats; the Hawks’ offensive rating improves by 11 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the court.
Defensively, while not elite, Young has shown improvement. The Hawks maintain a respectable defensive rating with him on the floor, dispelling the notion that he’s a liability on that end. Moreover, team success can’t be held against him, as the Hawks are in play-in contention despite injuries to key players.
The selection of Tyler Herro over Young is particularly puzzling. While Herro is having a strong season, his impact and overall skill set don’t match Young’s at this stage. The voting process, which occurred before recent losses, shouldn’t have been significantly influenced by the Hawks’ current losing streak.
Young’s ability to create points, both through scoring and assists, is remarkable. He ranks second in the NBA in total points created per game, trailing only Jokic. This statistic alone underscores his value and impact on the court, and while Young is not the second-best offensive player in the NBA, he is on the short list of the most impactful.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Trae Young’s All-Star case, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
• Trade buzz surrounding Bogdan Bogdanovic and potential suitors
• Analysis of the Hawks’ recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Injury updates on key players and their impact on the team’s performance
