The Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young will be an All-Star this season, after all. Young was given an All-Star nod by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who selected him and Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes as injury replacements.
Young and Barnes will step in for Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and New York’s Julius Randle, who can’t make it due to injuries. Embiid recently underwent a meniscus surgery that will keep him out for at least four weeks while Randle is dealing with a shoulder injury.
The 2024 All-Star game is scheduled for February 18 and will take place in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Pacers.
Young was overlooked for the All-Star starters, voted by fans, current NBA players, and a media panel, and also missed out on making it as one of the reserves, which are selected by NBA head coaches. His initial omission raised some eyebrows, considering his individual numbers. The 25-year-old player is currently averaging 27.3 points and 10.9 assists.
Barnes, on the other hand, will get his first All-Star appearance thanks to Silver. The former NBA rookie of the year is having his best year as a pro, averaging career-highs in points (20.2), rebounds (8.1), and assists (5.8). He is also shooting a career-best 36.5% from behind the three-point line.
