The NBA All-Star selections for 2024 have sparked controversy, with Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young among the most notable snubs. Young, who is averaging 27.3 points and 10.9 assists per game, has been one of the league’s top offensive performers this season. Despite ranking in the top 10 in scoring and second in assists, he was left out of the All-Star roster, leading to widespread debate among analysts and fans.NBA analyst Kenny Smith addressed Young’s exclusion, questioning the decision and pointing to the guard’s impressive statistics. He highlighted that Young’s numbers are comparable to or better than several selected players. However, critics argue that the Hawks’ underwhelming team performance—currently below .500 and struggling in the Eastern Conference—likely played a role in his omission.Smith’s concerns align with those of other NBA stars, including Stephen Curry, who offered Young words of encouragement. After a game between the Hawks and Warriors, Curry advised Young to “play with joy” and not let resentment build over being overlooked. Curry emphasized that Young’s talents would eventually be recognized if he continued to approach the game positively.Young’s snub has reignited discussions about the All-Star selection process and whether team success should outweigh individual excellence. Other notable snubs this year include De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and James Harden, all of whom had strong statistical cases for selection but were ultimately left out.The debate extends beyond Young’s performance, raising questions about how much influence fan votes, media narratives, and team records should have in determining All-Star selections. Many believe that Young’s consistent high-level play should have secured him a spot despite the Hawks’ struggles.With the All-Star Game fast approaching, the conversation surrounding Young’s exclusion will likely continue. Whether this fuels his motivation for the remainder of the season remains to be seen, but the debate over his snub has undeniably become one of the biggest talking points in the NBA.
Kenny Smith Questions Trae Young’s All-Star Snub
