Trae Young’s absence against Nuggets was due to talk with Hawks coach, report says
Star Hawks guard Trae Young missed Friday night’s home win over the Nuggets with a lingering right shoulder injury, but it turns out there’s more to it than what was on the injury report.
According to a report by Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The AthleticYoung opted out of Friday night’s game after a disagreement during the afternoon round with coach Nate McMillan.
According to the report, Young was receiving treatment on his right shoulder and was pressed by McMillan about whether he would participate in a shootout and play in the game against Denver. Young reportedly told McMillan he wanted to focus on treating his shoulder and skip before deciding whether or not to play later in the afternoon.
McMillan did not approve of Young’s plan and offered his star two options: Young could play off the bench or not show up to the arena.
Young opted out of the arena, and the Hawks ruled him out of the game with right shoulder soreness. When asked about Young’s absence Sunday, McMillan told reporters the point guard didn’t play Friday because of a “miscommunication.”
The youngster returned to practice on Sunday and will start Monday night against the Thunder.
Tension between McMillan and Young is reportedly nothing new and has already led to several team meetings this season. Young also fell out with former Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce before he was fired during the 2020-21 season.
The Hawks enter Monday night with a 13-10 record, good for fourth in the East.
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