Trae Young responds to Steve Nash’s criticism of his foul-drawing move

Nash is correct in the sense that Young isn’t trying to score, but trying to draw a foul call. That intent probably should not be rewarded by the league, but the NBA does not have rules against it.

The Athletic published a story on Wednesday about Young’s move and included a quote from the emerging Hawks star about Nash’s criticism.

Young said that Nash probably wouldn’t be complaining if Young were on his team and helping the Nets win. Young also modeled some of his game after Nash and believes the former Phoenix Suns two-time MVP guard used to use the move, too.

“I learned a lot about drawing fouls from him. If he says it’s not basketball, he must’ve been saying it about himself because he’s done it a couple of times throughout his career and was so successful,” Young said.

Young is right on both accounts. Nash probably used the move, and Nash probably wouldn’t complain if Young were on his team.

Much like some of James Harden’s moves, or players jumping into defenders from the three-point line on shots, this is an example of a player taking advantage of the rules. None of these moves really fits with the spirit of basketball as Nash says, but the NBA is allowing them. That’s something they should probably rethink.

Nash isn’t the only one who has issues with the Hawks' offense — even one of Young’s teammates does too.