The NBA is in a good place. At least, it will be once this indefinite pause is lifted and some normalcy returns to the world...
Hawks' Trae Young Talks Playing Call of Duty, Missing NBA amid COVID-19 Lockdown
Mar 26, 2020
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young said Wednesday he's turned to video games to satisfy his competitive itch with the 2019-20 NBA season indefinitely delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Young told Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated he's not usually a major gamer, but that's changed in recent weeks because of COVID-19. His title of choice is Call of Duty, which recently released a hugely popular battle royale mode named Warzone.
"I don't usually play video games too much," the 21-year-old said. "Now that I have a lot of time, that is all I have really been doing. I have been really just trying to play a lot of video games [to improve] so I can play online, play in front of fans."
Young noted it's not the same as taking to the court on a nightly basis, though.
"I miss playing a lot. I miss playing five[-on-five]," the Texas native said. "Miss playing with my teammates. I miss being around our fans. I miss playing on the road. I miss it a lot right now, especially because you can't do anything other than be in our houses and play video games and play on basketball goals at our houses.
"This time definitely makes you appreciate things you have. It makes me appreciate the game I love at the highest level a lot more."
Young was enjoying a tremendous offensive campaign before the suspension of play. He averaged 29.6 points (fourth in the NBA), 9.3 assists (second), 3.4 three-pointers (eighth) and 4.3 rebounds in 60 appearances for the Hawks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJxGPsJy56g
The University of Oklahoma product made his first All-Star Game appearance in February after being named to the All-Rookie first team last season.
He told Spears the coronavirus situation has forced him to take a step back for perspective:
"As athletes, celebrities and things like that, sometimes it takes something like this to actually humble people. For us, sometimes you think you are untouchable or things might not happen to you because you are at this stature or whatever. It can. You see guys, big-time guys, superstars like Donovan [Mitchell] or KD [Kevin Durant] get it. It is definitely an eye-opener.
"It sucks that this has to happen to us for us to really realize that and for other people to realize we're actually just human, too. ... But we are going to all get through this together as people, not just athletes. We're people and human together."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explained to ESPN'sRachel Nicholslast week he's not sure when the season could resume, but in the short term, he's hoping to put together a charity game with several stars to help give fans a temporary escape.
"And one of the things we've been talking about are, are there conditions in which a group of players could compete—maybe it's for a giant fundraiser or just the collective good of the people—where you take a subset of players and, is there a protocol where they can be tested and quarantined and isolated in some way, and they could compete against one another?" Silver said.
Young and the Hawks will have 15 regular-season contests remaining if the NBA resumes with the intent to complete the entire 82-game campaign.
Trae Young Ranks LeBron James over Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant in All-Time Top 5
Mar 24, 2020
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 09: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts during the second half of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The next generation has spoken.
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young, who is 21 years old, was asked on Twitter to rank his top five NBA players of all time, and LeBron James came in at No. 1:
MY TOP 5... 1. LBJ 2. Jordan 3. Kobe 4. KD 5. Steve Nash
For reference, James' NBA debut on Oct. 29, 2003, came when Young was just five years old.
Young's admiration for James is evident in his game. The 2018 fifth overall pick mimicked a King James celebration after sinking a game-winner last year:
However, Young placing James at No. 1 shouldn't necessarily be taken as a slight toward the other four players on the list.
After Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people on Jan. 26, Young was one of countless people in and around the league to show his deep respect for the five-time NBA champion:
...This S*** can’t be real... this the first moment I was able to meet Gianna Maria, she’s been to only 3 games this year... 2 of them were mine... She told me I was her favorite player to watch🙏🏽 I can’t believe this😢😭
Young is well on his way to seeing his name on a future generation's list of all-time favorite players. He earned his first All-Star nod this season, averaging 29.6 points, 9.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds across 60 starts for the 20-47 Hawks.
John Collins Talks Kobe Bryant, Donovan Mitchell, Vince Carter, More in B/R AMA
Mar 23, 2020
Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) reacts during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Friday, March 6, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins was enjoying a career season before the NBA suspended its season because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2017 first-round pick averaged 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks a night in 41 games and was a double-double threat every time he stepped on the floor. He is also a major reason the future looks bright in Atlanta, as he and guard Trae Young can anchor the attack as a one-two punch for years to come.
With the season on hiatus, Collins sat down for a Bleacher Report AMA and answered questions on a number of topics, including Young, Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter.
@JCTheLit: What's it like playing with the living legend Vince Carter?
It's amazing, man. Or it has been amazing. Hopefully, we can bring back the season and we can end it in the correct way. He's helped me so much when it comes to my shooting stroke...just the ability to work with me puts me in a great spot for the rest of my life.
@ForRudy 27: Hey man, you have a favorite fellow young star to play against?
Probably has to be Don Mitchell. He was one of my buddies in the pre-draft and we've continued a pretty solid relationship since then. That's my guy. Hopefully, he's healthy.
@jl2626: Favorite shoe?
My favorite pair on the court: any of the Dame Lillard shoes, I'm an Adidas guy. Off the court, I'm a Yeezy guy. Big Pharrell fan too.
@myousif: What do you think your most underrated stat in 2K is?
I play 2K a ton. I don't know if there's an underrated stat. I'd say my mid-range shot...I'll be surprised sometimes and I shoot and it's easy money. I think my three-point rating might've gone up a couple of notches.
@sorenn: Who wins in a 1 v 1 between you and Trae?
Me. I gotta go right to the post. Wait until he misses, and he'll probably put a dribble in there...but that's my goal. Post up.
@meliegreenbaum: Who should've won the dunk contest this year?
Man...I think there was a little home cooking there for DJ. Shouts to D-Wade.
@_5williams5: What other star would you like to play with? Playing now or retired
Bean. Shout out to Bean. Have a Fathead of him in my room right now.
We had to play the day he passed...I found out in the locker room, we all found out together on our phone. That was the toughest game I ever had to play.
@meliegreenbaum: Hey what's up John! Which team do you love to beat the most?
The Sixers and the Heat. Sixers because Pierce used to coach for them, so it's intense. And then Miami, whenever I'm back home I like to put on a show for mom.
@mikeyoung345: Who's the best nba player all time?
Jordan. And the reason for me is he won three, took about two off...if you come back and win three more, that's to me what separates Jordan a little bit. He could've potentially had 8-straight, you know what I mean? He would've had 7, at least won one of the years. He's six for six. I say Jordan.
@gninow: What's the most expensive thing you've bought since you've gotten into the league?
My house. And my car, a Range Rover. Think that was definitely the most expensive thing.
@JackPail: Hey John! Atlanta kid here! If you can dunk on one NBA player, who would it be??
Joel Embiid. We've had back and forth. I don't want to get too into it...but he knows, too. Every time he sees me he says, bro you're not getting me.
@sebas20: Favorite player growing up?
Bean, for sure. Close second I give it to T-Mac or AI.
@jl2626: Favorite March Madness moment?
I gotta go with mine, right? That first four in...we beat Louisville, D-Mitchell. And they were actually like No. 6 in the country at the time...I honestly like that win better than the loss in the tournament. Just making the tournament, seeing the energy, it was amazing.
@J27LA: Who's the greatest rapper in your opinion?
I say overall, Jay-Z. Personally, Rick Ross
@Bizzz: Who was your favorite NBA team growing up?
Heat...but I was such a Kobe fan I considered myself a Lakers fan. I watched every game, was so locked into them.
@AndrewCib: Does Trae really think his hair is good?
Damn right he does! What else is he supposed to do?
@miljawn: What's the strangest in-game interaction you had with a player you don't know?
In HS, there was a kid who, the play didn't start, it was a dead ball and he just stepped in. I don't know if this was the coach's tactic, but this random kid just comes in and starts boxing me out. It's a dead ball. The ball is not in bounds and he's boxing me out, pushing me. The third time, he looks over at the bench and does it harder. I don't know if the coach was trying to get me to fight him, but I didn't know what the hell was going on.
@carteratwater: How is it with Clint on your team?
Locker room wise, he's super cool and super chill. We haven't done much basketball stuff yet, that'll be determined. But he's an older guy, so always trying to learn some knowledge.
@BostonDynasty524: Outside of Hawks gear, what's the best NBA jersey ever?
Not gonna lie, I think the Heat might've made the case, the Vice ones. The blue ones? I love that. But all-time, I say...gotta go with the old-time Raptors jerseys. Those are fire. And the Vancouver ones, those are hard. Whatever you call that, nobody's done that since.
@mecrow2: What made you decide to go to Wake Forest?
Coach Manning and the ACC. He definitely had a resume...and I was in the best conference in America.
@RYGUY24: If you were a GM who would you want to take in the upcoming draft?
I gotta go Anthony Edwards, he looks the most pro-ready. Strong, can create his shot, athletic as well. He has a dog in him. I like it.
Collins, 22, is a key building block for a Hawks team focused on the future.
Atlanta hasn't made the playoffs since the 2016-17 campaign, but that figures to change in the coming seasons if Collins and Young continue making strides into their primes.
Report: Hawks Swayed to Draft Trae Young over Luka Doncic by Mavericks Pick Swap
Mar 11, 2020
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) and Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (77) stand on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)
The Atlanta Hawks front office had "near-equal support" for Trae Young and Luka Doncic heading into the 2018 NBA draft, which led it to accept an offer from the Dallas Mavericks to swap the standout prospects in exchange for a 2019 first-round pick from the Mavs.
Tim Cato and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported the new details Wednesday. The Hawks used the additional selection to take Cam Reddish at 10th overall in last year's draft.
Young has quickly developed into one of the league's most dynamic offensive talents. He's averaging 29.4 points (fourth in the NBA), 9.3 assists (second) and 3.4 threes (seventh) through 59 appearances during the 2019-20 campaign.
The 21-year-old Texas native's lackluster defense offsets some of that offensive brilliance, though. He ranks last among all 502 qualified players inESPN'sDefensive Real Plus-Minus (-3.03).
He understands his career will forever be linked to Doncic because of the trade.
"It's going to be something talked about until we both retire," Youngtold reportersin February. "I try to focus on myself and my team ... That's how I look at it. I know that's going to be talked about until we're both done [playing]."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZp4bVIiKS0
Doncic has emerged as a MVP contender in his second season. He's averaged 28.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 2.9 threes and 1.1 steals in 53 games.
The 21-year-old Slovenian superstar is tied with the Houston Rockets' James Harden for the third-best MVP odds (+2,000) behind only the award's reigning winner, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (-2,000), and the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (+700), perCaesars Palace.
Young isn't among the individual players listed by the oddsmakers.
That said, Reddish is starting to shown signs he could become a high-impact player for the Hawks too. After a sluggish start to his rookie campaign, he's averaged 17.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 threes while shooting 51.4 percent from the field in nine appearances since the All-Star break.
It's going to take several more years before either team can be declared a clear winner in the deal, and it could ultimately become a win-win situation for both sides.
Trae Young Discusses Playing for Kobe, Gianna Bryant on LeBron James' The Shop
Mar 8, 2020
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 26: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks wears a number 8 jersey to honor the passing of Kobe Bryant during a game against the Washington Wizards on January 26, 2020 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young opened up about what it was like to take the court hours after news broke of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, along with seven others.
Young dropped 45 points and 14 assists in a 152-133 win over the Washington Wizards on Jan. 26. During an appearance on LeBron James' HBO show The Shop, the All-Star guard discussed the conflicting emotions he felt in the buildup to that game:
Young wore a No. 8 jersey to start the game as a nod to Kobe, and his offensive output put him in the same company with Bryant when all was said and done.
Earlier that day, he had reminisced about meeting Gianna:
...This S*** can’t be real... this the first moment I was able to meet Gianna Maria, she’s been to only 3 games this year... 2 of them were mine... She told me I was her favorite player to watch🙏🏽 I can’t believe this😢😭
"We didn't have a lot on our mind besides Kobe and Gigi and everybody in the accident," he said after the game to Fox Sports Southeast's Andre Aldridge (via Sarah K. Spencer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution). "We just wanted to go out and play hard, have that mamba mentality."
Hawks' Trae Young Out vs. Wizards with Illness Described as 'Flu-Like Symptoms'
Mar 6, 2020
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 3: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during a game against the Boston Celtics at State Farm Arena on February 3, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Young has emerged as one of the NBA's most dynamic offensive talents during the 2019-20 season. The fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft has averaged 29.6 points, which ranks third in the league, along with 9.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 threes across 57 appearances.
The 21-year-old University of Oklahoma product has remained mostly durable since joining the Hawks. He played 81 of the team's 82 regular-season games as a rookie but has dealt with minor ankle and hamstring issues throughout the current campaign.
Jeff Teague figures to receive the lion's share of the minutes running the team's offense any time the rising star is forced out of the lineup. Brandon Goodwin and Treveon Graham are among the other players who could get more run as part of the backcourt rotation.
The Hawks aren't yet ready to seriously contend in the Eastern Conference with the front office still having a lot of work to do building a roster around Young, so the team figures to take a conservative approach whenever the guard is on the mend.
Mark Cuban Fined $500K for Ripping Refs, Mavericks' Protest vs. Hawks Denied
Mar 6, 2020
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban watches players warm up before the start of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
The league also announced Friday it is denying the Mavericks' protest of their 111-107 loss. In its statement, the league criticized Cuban for "demeaning" the referees:
"It is a recognized part of sports for fans and the media at times to criticize officiating, but team executives must be held to a higher standard. A team owner's effort to influence refereeing decisions during and after a game creates the perception of an unfair competitive advantage and thereby undermines the integrity of the game. Demeaning league employees also creates an intimidating workplace environment. With an increased focus on respectful conduct by coaches, players and fans during games, the actions of team executives should set an example and not lower expectations for appropriate behavior in our arenas."
Cuban offered the following response:
“No comment," Mark Cuban said of the NBA denying the Mavs' protest and fining him $500,000. "Hopefully they’ll let us release our actual filing from the protest."
The basis of the Mavericks' protest—and the spark for Cuban's outburst—was a successful putback by Hawks forward John Collins late in the fourth quarter. Dorian Finney-Smith was incorrectly called for a goaltend on a Trae Young shot attempt, and the Mavericks successfully challenged the call. However, officials awarded Collins a tip-in because the NBA Replay Center determined he was in the act of tipping in the ball at the time of the whistle.
A review by the NBA showed that Collins' tip came 1/15th of a second after the whistle began, so the shot should not have counted. The NBA said officials followed proper protocol in the moment and therefore would not grant the Mavericks' protest.
Collins' shot put Atlanta ahead 111-107 with 8.4 seconds remaining.
Cuban went onto the floor after the game to confront officials, later continuing his criticism on social media and in interviews.
"Refs have bad games. Crews have bad games. But this isn't a single game issue," Cuban said in one of several tweets on the issue. "This is the same s--t that has been going on for 20 years . Hire former refs who think they know how to hire , train and manage. Realize 2 years later they can't. Repeat"
Cuban's issues with officiating are nothing new and have been a persistent issue since his purchase of the Mavericks. As noted by Marc Stein of the New York Times, Cuban has been fined more than $3 million by the NBA since 2000.
In an interview with Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, Cuban explained his issue largely comes down to what he believes is systemically poor training of officials:
"Out of the 70 refs, give or take, I think I counted 17 that have five years or less experience. That's a lot. And you can't expect new refs to be any good. And that's because we do such a horrific job of training in the G-League. Not a poor job. Not a marginal job. We apply literally no resources. The Joey Crawfords and Bennett Salvatores, I'm so glad I can call those guys out, because they're awful at their jobs."
Trae Young Responds to Trevor Ariza: 'I Ain't About to Stop Nutmegging'
Mar 2, 2020
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 29: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks and Trevor Ariza #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers hug it out at the conclusion of an NBA game at State Farm Arena on February 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young tried to hit Portland Trail Blazers wing Trevor Ariza with a nutmeg dribble during Atlanta's 129-117 home win Saturday, and Ariza took offense to the attempt, throwing his shoulder and forearm into him hard enough to earn a flagrant foul.
Ariza also said he spoke to Young about the nutmeg attempt after the game, relaying the message, "Don't do that s--t again; not to me, at least," per Jason Quick of The Athletic.
But on Monday, Young told reporters he was going to continue to attempt to dribble the ball through his opponent's legs:
Trae said he thinks Ariza was frustrated on the play before.
"If you watch the play before, I got a floater. He said something coming down the floor, got mad, and that was part of my excitement. When I came back down, I knew what I was about to do. I threw it between his legs." https://t.co/gWbp2TXW83
One way to interpret Ariza's response to Young is to see it as the old school clashing with the new school.
"I mean, I've never made an All-Defensive team or none of that s--t, and he's an All-Star, so he can be creative by ways to get around me," Ariza said after Saturday's game, per Quick. "But all the, like, funnies? I'm not with the funnies. I don't like the funnies."
"He was trying to embarrass him," Blazers assistant coach Jannero Pargo added.
If you want to understand why Trevor Ariza wasn't about "the funnies" with Trae Young, this is it. The some vets, the nutmeg attempt implies something about the player who's guarding you. Trevor ain't having that pic.twitter.com/WZs7o6cleP
But Young has contended that it's all in good fun, per Sarah K. Spencer of theAtlanta Journal-Constitution:
"I use it to create space, I use it for my advantage. (Ariza) can call it what (he wants)... it's not to showboat, it's flair and excitement. It's basketball and entertainment... Ain't gotta be serious 24/7. You can smile, you can have fun, you can engage with the crowd, you can flex, you can do whatever you want. Have fun with it."
Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce understands both sides of the conversation:
"He's a 6-foot point guard, 6-foot-1 point guard, very crafty and creative. He's got to find unique ways to go by guys ... Sometimes it's quickness, sometimes it's nutmeg. People weren't complaining about Shaquille O'Neal dunking on them every single game. You've got to figure out how to stop it. But in the same regard, Trevor's a vet. Trevor's got pride. He did what he had to do."
I don’t have a problem with Trae nutmegging dudes, but I also don’t really have a problem with Ariza hip-checking him to stop it. You try to embarrass people like Trae seems to delight in (which is part of what makes him fun), you gotta deal with guys getting pissed about it, too https://t.co/TbJX2OaggX
If players are so scared of getting embarrassed by Trae that they're willing to give up 2 FTs and the ball, that seems like a great reason to keep doing the nutmeg to me. https://t.co/R2VM0RCuYH
Young has had plenty of success getting by people this season. The 21-year-old is averaging 29.8 points and 9.4 assists per game, shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three. That hasn't led to many wins. The young Hawks are just 19-43 and in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.
But it's clear that Atlanta has found a franchise cornerstone—and one who will keep putting the ball between defenders' legs if they aren't paying attention.
Trevor Ariza Told Trae Young 'Don't Do That S--t Again' After Nutmeg Attempt
Mar 1, 2020
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 29: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks and Trevor Ariza #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers hug it out at the conclusion of an NBA game at State Farm Arena on February 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Trevor Ariza sent a message to Trae Young during Saturday's game between the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers when the veteran forward hip-checked the guard after Young tried to nutmeg him, drawing a flagrant foul.
As the two players met on the court after Atlanta's 129-117 win over the Blazers, Ariza pulled Young in close and made sure he also gave him a verbal warning.
"I told him, 'Don't do that s--t again; not to me at least,'" Ariza said, per The Athletic's Jason Quick. "I mean, I've never made an All-Defensive team or none of that s--t, and he's an All-Star, so he can be creative by ways to get around me. But all the, like, funnies? I'm not with the funnies. I don't like the funnies."
Young seemed nonplussed by the foul and also didn't sound like he'll be changing his playing style anytime soon.
"It was nothing. Competitiveness," Young said of the foul. "I play at my own pace, I'm super excited when I play ... play with a lot of excitement. But at the end of the day, I'm tough and still going to play hard ... I mean, I'm competitive. It's fun to play that way."
This was simply a battle of youthful exuberance against veteran toughness. Young saw Ariza's legs wide open, out of position, and decided the best way to get around his larger frame was to go through them. Ariza, having been around an NBA block a time or six, decided to give the second-year star a taste of tough love as a result.
The foul was correctly called as a Flagrant 1, a message-sender but nothing deemed worthy of tossing Ariza. It's unlikely the incident will result in any further discipline from the NBA; it was clear Ariza wasn't out to hurt Young.
For Ariza, now in his 16th NBA season, it came down to a matter of respect.
"I ain't been nutmegged, period," Ariza said. "I've been crossed over, I've been dunked on, there's been a lot of s--t. Those are basketball plays. But that's ... I mean, I guess it's legal."
