Referees go ‘blind’ to Trae Young getting punished by opponents, reveals 2 Chainz
2 Chainz appeared on the Big Podcast with Shaquille O'Neal coming to the defense of Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young amidst officiating issues.
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2 Chainz defends Trae Young claiming bad officiating
Trae Young has been on a tear to open the 2024-25 season. After a disappointing outing last season, Young will be looking to bring the Atlanta Hawks back to playoff contention. However, it seems there’s a major obstacle in the way for Young to lead his Hawks – the officiating in NBA games. Or at least that’s what Atlanta legend 2 Chainz feels.
2 Chainz has been a dedicated fan of the Atlanta Hawks for years. The ATL rapper is a regular at Hawks games, showing up to support the team through thick and thin. So it’s no secret that he is a fan of the Hawks’ franchise star, Trae Young. However, 2 Chainz feels like the officiating in the NBA has been a hindrance, as referees often turn a ‘blind’ eye to the physicality against Young. Joining Shaquille O’Neal on the Big Podcast with Shaq, 2 Chainz shared the same.
I can tell that (Young) has probably rubbed some people the wrong way. Because I’ve seen him get punished out there and they look out the way… He is a unique player to be that small and to be able to get his shot off on the move… I’m a fan of him. I think he’s quick but I do think some of the refs might you know bust him up some.
2 Chainz told Shaquille O’Neal and Adam Lefkoe
The Atlanta superfan believes that Trae Young has perhaps rubbed someone in the league the wrong way. Young has often been overlooked in NBA All-Star voting, being snubbed in the 2023 season. However, the primary issue seems to be the way opponents are allowed to guard Young. Ice Trae has been one of the most prolific scorers in the league, while also being a top-5 passer.
However, his scoring numbers took a dip over the last couple of seasons, especially in the postseason in 2023. A lot of his struggles against physical defenses have been credited to officials turning a blind eye against Young, according to 2 Chainz. While 2 Chainz’s statement may have some truth to it, Young has been one of the best at getting to the free-throw line throughout his career. Across six games this season, Young has averaged 10.0 FTA per game.
Trae Young addresses officiating issues after Kings’ loss
Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks fell 125-112 in their previous game against the Sacramento Kings. The team has started the season with a 2-4 record, even after adding the number 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Following the game, Trae Young took to the podium to address the officiating issues he seems to have seen.
This sh*t is getting old with them [the officials].. That’s been the thing since I’ve been here in Atlanta. But I’m not even going to talk about the refs anymore… I feel like the way the game was called, we still played through some calls and still still found a way to get into the game.
Trae Young said in his postgame interview
The game ended with a 30-18 free throw disparity between the Kings and the Hawks. Trae Young was particularly upset about an offensive foul that was called on him in the fourth quarter. Young felt that the officiating was a major reason behind the Hawks’ loss. But he refrained from commenting further on the officiating, citing his ‘maturity’ in the league allowing him to know better.
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Armaan Gupta
(324 Articles Published)