Biggest ‘snubs’ from the 2021 NBA All-Star Game

Trae Young

This is a tough one, because there’s no question that Trae Young is a certified star in this league. It’s not just his name or how recognizable and popular he is either; Young is putting up 26.9 points, a career-high 9.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 37.9 percent from beyond the arc. He’s the NBA’s 10th-leading scorer and third-leading assist man, so there’s no question he’s a star-caliber player.

Unfortunately, with the field being so crowded this year, it matters that his field-goal percentage and scoring numbers are down. It matters that his defense is still miserable, it matters that James Harden joined the Eastern Conference to add further competition in the backcourt, and it matters that the Atlanta Hawks are four games below .500, currently ranked 11th in the East.

Young has helped his efficiency by getting to the foul line a career-high 10.3 times per game, but as flashy as his passes are and as enthralling as his heat checks can be, you can make a better All-Star case for the guys who ultimately made the cut.

Verdict: Correct call