There is trouble brewing in Atlanta. Shams Charania reported details of a dispute between Trae Young and Nate McMillan before the Hawks’ game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
I’ll paraphrase Shams’ report. Essentially, Young was rehabbing when McMillan asked if he’d participate in shootaround, receive treatment, and play in the gave. However, Young stated that he’d focus on treatment and then decide later if he’d play. McMillan then gave him an ultimatum: play off the bench or don’t show up to the arena. And Young didn’t play.
Both sides have publically stated they’ve squashed the beef and want to move forward, but nobody should be surprised if this resurfaces. And one of Trae Young‘s former teammates believes he needs to be more mature.
Parsons is right. The Hawks expect Young to be a leader, given their sizable investment in the superstar point guard. However, I don’t know if Parsons is really in a position to provide Young advice. He’s never been in a situation like Trae Young, one with so much pressure, and it sounds like he’s lecturing.
Still, Parsons is not entirely wrong. You’d like your $200+ million star player to take accountability, regardless of whether it’s his fault. We’ll monitor this situation moving forward, but I can guarantee the Hawks aren’t going to choose McMillan over Young if things continue to spiral.
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