ESPN Analyst Tim Bontemps Argues Why Trae Young Isn’t Built For International Competitions
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While Trae Young has his shortcomings such as shooting inefficiency and weak defensive ability, there’s no denying his All-Star quality. He has proven his mettle in the NBA playoffs and shown that he can deliver in pivotal games.
For the record, Young’s career averages stand at 25.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game on 43.7% shooting from the field. He’s earned All-Star honors twice and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2022. He has also led the Hawks to the playoffs three times, including a memorable run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Despite his achievements, questions still persist about Young’s capabilities. As a matter of fact, the Hawks superstar recently missed out on a spot on the Team USA roster, a decision which he found contentious. The basketball world is split on the matter, but ESPN analyst Tim Bontemps believes Young just isn’t suited for international competitions like FIBA.
“I would pick Steph [Curry]. I would pick Jalen Brunson. I would pick Tyrese Halliburton….Jrue [Holiday] I definitely would,” Tim Bontemps answered. “Trae Young, I don’t think, will be on the team.”
“The bottom line is, in FIBA ball…small guards struggle,” Bontemps said. “And Trae is a small guard who is not a physically strong guard, either. Unlike, say, Jalen Brunson, who certainly isn’t a big guard. But, like Kyle Lowry who is at Team USA practice today, and Chris Paul…certainly those bigger, stockier, more physical guards who can hold up better in the FIBA game.”
