Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has put together an impressive first half of the NBA season, leading the league in assists with 11.4 per game and averaging 22.5 points per game. Despite these impressive numbers, Young was left off the 2025 NBA All-Star Game reserve list. The omission sparked controversy on social media, with Young himself responding by saying it’s getting “Traed” at this point.
Young has been an All-Star three times before, and his numbers suggest he is one of the top 24 players in the league. Hawks coach Quin Snyder expressed his disappointment at Young not making the All-Star roster, saying that it’s “unfortunate” for his player. Snyder noted that Young has had the best year of his career and believes the players who made the All-Star roster are deserving.
Young isn’t the only notable player who was left off the All-Star roster. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time All-Star, also didn’t receive an All-Star selection. Booker took the news in stride, saying he’s not going to complain about taking a week to regroup with his family.
The omission of LaMelo Ball, who finished third in fan voting for the backcourt player, was also unexpected. Ball ranked fourth in the league with 28.2 points per game, but narrowly missed being a starter after finishing third in player and seventh in media balloting. He also missed out on being a reserve because he didn’t get listed on enough coaches’ ballots.
Young and Ball’s omissions have sparked controversy, with fans and pundits expressing their disappointment on social media. Despite this, the players will continue to compete and impress fans with their performances on the court.