JUST IN: Paolo Banchero’s eye-opening admission about Trae Young
In spite of not making the All-Star team, Trae Young has received commendations for his defensive performance from fellow players. Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and former NBA player J.J. Redick recently praised the Atlanta Hawks guard on Redick’s podcast, ‘The Old Man & the Three,’ highlighting an observed improvement in Young’s defensive efforts.
Redick, noting Young’s defensive strides, expressed on the podcast, “Is it just me, or is Trae Young better defensively this year?” He specifically lauded Young’s defensive display during the Hawks’ January 7 game against the Orlando Magic, stating it was the “best [he’d] seen” from the 25-year-old guard. Banchero echoed this sentiment, admitting that he had stopped challenging Young due to his defensive prowess, acknowledging Young’s ability to make impactful plays, including a crucial block in a recent game.
Worth the watch:
JJ Redick & Paolo Banchero talk Trae Young’s improved defense, and the rise of Jalen Johnson https://t.co/8NDQe8LdZ3 pic.twitter.com/JHu4GghRbb
— joe schmidt (@Joe_Schmidt07) February 4, 2024
Despite such recognition for his defense and impressive offensive statistics, Young was not selected for the NBA All-Star Game in the Eastern Conference. However, there remains a possibility that he may be added as an injury replacement for either Joel Embiid or Julius Randle. Young’s notable achievements this season include averaging 27.3 points, 10.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, along with a career-high 38.3% three-point shooting. He ranks prominently in various statistical categories but may have been excluded due to the Hawks’ 18-24 record at the time of All-Star voting closure.
In contrast, Banchero, in just his second season, secured a spot in the All-Star Game as a reserve, showcasing significant improvement from his rookie year. The 2022 No. 1 overall selection is contributing 23.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, with the Magic maintaining a competitive position in the NBA Play-In race.
The upcoming matchup between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks on February 25 will mark the final meeting of the season for these Southeast Division rivals, with the Hawks currently holding a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head record this season.