Trae Young Selected as All-Star Replacement Following Antetokounmpo Injury

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young expressed frustration with the new NBA All-Star Game format, particularly regarding the excessive breaks that disrupted gameplay. Young, who was named an injury replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo, noted that while he appreciated being voted in by peers and media, he felt disheartened by the fan voting process which often overlooks deserving players. Despite averaging 23.7 points and 11.5 assists this season, Young's performance has been affected by injuries, and he has faced criticism for his shooting percentages. He emphasized his preference for the traditional East-West competition format over the current setup. Young's recent surge in February, where he averaged 30.9 points, has solidified his status as one of the league's top guards, even as speculation about his future with the Hawks looms. As he continues to prove his value, Young remains focused on helping the Hawks secure a playoff spot after the All-Star break.