Stephen Curry and Trae Young had one amazing battle last night, as the Warriors lost 134-141 to the Hawks in OT. Curry had a remarkable 60-point game while Young had 35 with the win on the night. After the game, Curry advised Young after the Hawks guard was snubbed from the 2024 All-Star Game.
Curry revealed what he advised Trae and how he can make it back to the All-Star game.
“He has continued to get better and perform and (put up) his numbers. With the All-Star Game, there’s a lot that goes into it from the votes, from fans, media (and) coaches. It’s a competitive element, you know, at each position trying to be selected every year. I told him after the game that it would all come back to him if he continues to approach the game the right way: play with joy, don’t let it build any type of resentment just because he’s not acknowledged.”
Curry also seemed optimistic about Young making the team as an injury replacement.
“There are a couple of injuries in the East, and it might not be the way that he wanted to get in, but he’ll be there in Indiana and be represented… And like I said, if you continue to approach the game the right way, if you continue to work at your craft, if you continue to do what he’s doing, it’ll come back to him.”
Finally, Curry encouraged Young to use the snub as a source of motivation.
“The year before I first made it, you get that snub tag, it’s kind of like a chip on your shoulder and it’s a motivator. He can use it, you know, that energy, but l’m sure he’ll be there.”
Curry and Young were seen dapping each other up after the game.
Trae Young became the first player in NBA history to not be named to an All-Star game after averaging 26 points and 10 assists last season. He added to that distinction this season by not making the team while averaging 27 points and 10 assists.
This year’s field is extremely stacked, but this is the second year Young has been ostracized from the All-Star game.
Did Trae Young Deserve An All-Star Selection?
Trae is averaging 27.3 points and 10.9 assists this season with his Hawks having a 22-27 record. While it’s clear the voters are holding their record against him, it doesn’t make sense as Trae has previously made the All-Star game on worse stats and worse team record. If we’re talking about Trae as a snub, we have to talk about which guard he should’ve made it over.
Damian Lillard was voted as the starter with Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey on the reserves. Both Brunson and Maxey deserve their spots for being on top-four teams as the primary stars of a duo. The same applies to Lillard, but Dame is having one of his worst seasons in years in his first year in Milwaukee. While the Bucks have a great record, you could make an argument that Young deserved this spot ahead of Dame.
Regardless, the Eastern Conference is awaiting replacements for Joel Embiid and Julius Randle as both players will be sidelined with injuries. Young seems like a front-runner for the injury replacement selection, especially with all the controversy already surrounding him for being omitted to begin with.
