With Giannis Antetokounmpo out for the All-Star Game, the NBA needed a replacement. Commissioner Adam Silver chose Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young to fill the spot for Sunday night’s game. In 49 games this season, Young is averaging 23.5 points, 11.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds on 40.9/34/85% shooting.
This decision leaves LaMelo Ball on the outside looking in. Despite being the leading vote-getter among Eastern Conference guards, Ball won’t be joining the All-Star roster. He’s averaging 28.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds on 41.6/33.8/82.2% shooting in 32 games. However, injuries have been a recurring issue for Ball this season, which may have influenced the decision.
Does Young’s selection reflect a preference for team success over individual performance? Given the Hawks’ record and Young’s consistent availability, is this choice justified? Let’s break it down.
Difference Between The Two?
Statistically, both players show flashes of brilliance but remain inconsistent shooters. Both are shooting around 40% from the field and 30% from three-point range. Despite the similar shooting percentages, LaMelo Ball has been a more explosive scorer in fewer games. He’s scored 20 or more points in 29 of his 32 games, including 13 games with 30+, one 40-point performance, and one 50-point outing. In contrast, Trae Young has played 49 games, reaching the 20-point mark 33 times, with 13 games of 30+ points and one 40-point game.
When it comes to ball control and efficiency, Ball holds a slight advantage. He averages 3.7 turnovers per game compared to Young’s 4.7. Ball also leads in player efficiency rating (PER), posting a 20.9 to Young’s 17.7. However, Young counters with a higher win share total—3.3 to Ball’s 2.2—indicating a greater overall contribution to team victories.
Perhaps the most significant factor in this debate is availability. Ball’s numbers suggest he’s been the more efficient player, but injuries have limited him to just 32 games. On the other hand, Young’s 49-game sample gives him more time to make an impact and show consistency. In a tight decision like this, availability often plays a crucial role in the final selection.
Team Success versus Individual Success
In their lone matchup of the 2024-25 season, Trae Young and LaMelo Ball put on a show. Young led the Hawks to a 125-120 victory with a near triple-double—38 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists. Ball was equally impressive, finishing with 34 points, five rebounds, and four assists, including nine made three-pointers.
While both players had standout performances in that game, team success may have played a role in Young’s selection. The Hawks are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 25-28 record, holding onto a spot in the Play-In Tournament race. Meanwhile, the Hornets sit at 13-37, with the second-worst record in the East and the fourth-worst in the league.
Given the tight All-Star selection process, team performance often becomes a factor. Though the All-Star Game is meant to highlight individual achievements, being the leader of a more competitive team can sometimes tip the scales in a player’s favor—especially in close decisions like this one.
In Conclusion
The debate between Trae Young and LaMelo Ball for the All-Star replacement spot highlights the delicate balance between individual excellence and team success. Statistically, Ball has been more efficient and explosive, showcasing his elite scoring ability despite missing significant time due to injuries. On the other hand, Young’s consistency, durability, and leadership on a more competitive Hawks team likely gave him the edge in the selection process.
Ultimately, availability and team performance seemed to tip the scales in favor of Young. While Ball’s All-Star snub may raise eyebrows, it serves as a reminder that talent alone isn’t always enough—sometimes, staying on the court and helping your team stay in the playoff hunt makes all the difference.
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