It almost sounds ridiculous to say (because it is), but Trae Young will not be participating in this year’s All-Star Game, which is scheduled to take place in Atlanta on March 7th. After the All-Star starters were released last week, the reserves, who are selected by the coaches, were announced tonight.
Sources: 2021 NBA All-Star reserves:
West: Chris Paul, Paul George, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis
East: James Harden, Julius Randle, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Zach LaVine, Ben Simmons, Nikola Vucevic
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2021
Just how crazy is it that a man averaging nearly 27 points and almost 10 assists did not make the All-Star Game? Young is just the third player ever to record such numbers and not be selected, and he’s the first in 30 years.
Trae Young is the first player in 30 years and just the third player in NBA history to not be named an All-Star during a season in which a player is averaging 25+ PTS and 9+ AST.
Tiny Archibald (1971-72)
Michael Adams (1990-91)
Trae Young (2020-21) https://t.co/1bIg3vwuqr— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) February 23, 2021
Now, I will say — unlike in years past — the Eastern Conference is loaded with talent. Pretty much every reserve on the list is deserving. Although, I certainly would have had Trae Young in there ahead of Ben Simmons, who is averaging less than 16 points and only 7.9 assists. He has no business being chosen over Young.
Frustration aside, there is still a chance Young ends up playing in the game. If an injury occurs or someone decides not to participate, he has to be on the short-list of possible replacements. Either way, hopefully, he takes this the right way and uses it as motivation moving forward. Knowing Young, he’ll never forget this day.
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