Trae Young called ‘most disrespected star since Carmelo Anthony’ by ex-champ

Kendrick Perkins noted that both, Trae Young and Carmelo Anthony, were one-and-done phenoms who led their teams to Conference Finals yet faced ungrateful fans.

Trae Young

Kendrick Perkins recently expressed his opinion that Trae Young is the most disrespected star in the NBA since Carmelo Anthony. Despite Young’s impressive six-year career with the Atlanta Hawks, where he has established himself as the team’s face, Perkins believes he doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves. Perkins shared his thoughts during the pregame coverage of the Hawks vs. Knicks game on Wednesday.

Perkins acknowledged that Young is currently experiencing a shooting slump, but emphasized that his playmaking abilities are at an all-time high. He praised Trae Young‘s playmaking as “all-world, MVP-level” and compared it to that of Steve Nash.

Young’s impressive statistics support Perkins’ claims, as he is currently averaging 21.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and a league-leading 12.2 assists per game.

FS Video

Trae Young is the most disrespected star since Carmelo Anthony. Right? Both were one-and-done phenoms. Both took their franchises to the Conference Finals and still, they were disrespected and the fans were ungrateful for what they’ve done, Carmelo done, and now what Trae Young is doing.
Kendrick Perkins said

"Trae Young is the most disrespected star since Carmelo Anthony." @kendrickperkins on the Hawks star ? pic.twitter.com/UV7j4khANa
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 11, 2024

The Atlanta Hawks secured a 108-100 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. Led by Young, the Hawks have been a surprise team this season, boasting a 14-12 record and winning seven of their last eight games. This win marked their second victory over the Knicks this season, including a recent win in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals.

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Trae Young was instrumental in the Hawks’ win, finishing with 22 points and 11 assists. He particularly excelled in the third quarter, slicing through the Knicks’ defense with ease.

Trae young on his relationship with the New York fans

As the game drew to a close, Young pretended to roll dice on the Knicks’ logo, a lighthearted gesture that added to the tension between him and the Knicks faithful.

It’s a love-hate relationship. I got a lot of love and a lot of hate I guess from them, but I got a lot love from them too. It’s respect.
Trae Young said post-game

“It’s a love-hate relationship”

— Trae Young on New York fans pic.twitter.com/jgCFnYtW0L
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 12, 2024

Young’s antics were likely a nod to his complicated history with Knicks fans, who have made him public enemy number one. The 26-year-old point guard has been a thorn in the side of the Knicks, having eliminated them from competition on multiple occasions.

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This latest victory marked the Hawks’ second win over the Knicks this season, and Young’s celebration was a clear indication that he’s relishing his role as the villain.

The origins of Young’s rivalry with the Knicks date back to the 2021 playoffs, when he led the Hawks to a 4-1 series victory over New York in the first round. Since then, Young has become a lightning rod for criticism and hostility from Knicks fans, who have grown to despise him.