After all his hard work this season, Trae Young was recognized by the league and got the nod on the All-NBA third team. Still, some do not believe it was enough.
On Twitter, Young supporters came together to blast the All-NBA voters and challenge Young’s placement on the third team roster. Among them was Hawks reporter Pat Benson, who made the case that Trae should have been on the first or second-team instead:
Trae Young is second player in NBA history to lead in total points/assists and is only 3rd team All-NBA? SMH
— Pat Benson (@Pat_Benson_Jr) May 25, 2022
Young did respond with a short statement:
It’s okay my guy.. we winning regardless🙏🏽 https://t.co/XSk8AiMP0c
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 25, 2022
This season, Young played extremely well, with averages of 28.4 points, 9.7 assists, and 3.87 rebounds per game on 46% shooting. He led the Hawks to the 8th seed in the East before they were bounced by Miami in the first round.
Despite the series loss, Young was widely praised around the league for his performance and the heart/passion he plays with each and every game. Perhaps most important of all is Young’s confidence, which he wears with no shame at all:
“Confidence is a powerful thing, and he’s ultra confident,” said Jon Collins on Trae. “Not only cause he’s put in the work… to be ultra confident and to play that way is powerful. Him thriving in fourth quarters, him wanting the ball. Having somebody that wants the ball is powerful. That adds urgency to the game. More than anything, you know that you have somebody on the opposite court who wants the ball at the end of the game, or wants that moment, wants that spotlight moment. Wants that tough shot. It gives you confidence as a team.”
Young is set to make an extra $35 million after making the All-NBA third team, but the focus for Atlanta will be what happens over the next few months.
After an early playoff exit, the Hawks are entering a summer of uncertainty. Besides Young, nobody is safe from trade, and the front office is expected to explore every scenario to make the team better.
No matter what they do, though, they will always remain at least somewhat relevant with Young at the helm.
