Trae Young (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks delivered a thrilling 117-116 victory over the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics on November 12, despite missing star guard Trae Young. The win, however, was quickly overshadowed by controversy as the Hawks found themselves under scrutiny from the NBA for how they handled Young’s absence.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the league imposed a $100,000 fine on the Hawks after concluding that Young’s sidelining violated the NBA’s Player Participation Policy. The team had listed Young as out for the game due to right Achilles tendinitis. Nevertheless, this decision has been called into question following a league investigation.
“Following an investigation, including review by an independent physician, the NBA determined that the Hawks held Young out of a game that he could have played in under the medical standard in the (Player Participation) Policy. The organization’s conduct violated the policy, which is intended to promote participation in the NBA’s regular season,” the league said in a statement.
The NBA’s Player Participation Policy was introduced to ensure that star players are available for fans during the regular season. It has become a focal point of the league’s efforts to address concerns over load management. Notably, the game against the Celtics was the only game Young missed this season.
Will Trae Young Play Against The Cavaliers?
After playing just 54 out of 82 games last season, Trae Young has remained relatively durable this year. So far, he has missed only one game against the Boston Celtics.
However, the Atlanta Hawks may once again face the challenge of playing without their star guard. The star guard is questionable for Atlanta’s Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to right Achilles tendinitis.
Despite the Hawks’ struggles this season, currently holding a 7-11 record, Young has continued to shine individually. Through 17 games, Young, the ambassador of Jordan Brand, has averaged 21.9 points and an NBA-leading 11.9 assists.
