The league took notice when Trae Young did not play in the Nov. 12 NBA Cup game against the Celtics, due to rigorous player participation regulations. Even though the Hawks emerged victorious with fewer players, the league still initiated a probe.
Independent Review Led to the Fine
A doctor who works on their own evaluated Young’s health and determined he was fit to participate in the game. The Hawks were fined $100,000 by the NBA for not following its policy on player participation, as noted in the review. The league said the organization’s behavior broke the policy designed to encourage involvement in the NBA’s regular season.
Young’s Reported Injury Raises Questions
The Hawks attributed Young’s absence to right Achilles tendinitis. Young made a quick comeback, playing 35 minutes against the Wizards just three days after the previous game. This is still the sole game he has missed this season.
Trae Young’s Stellar Availability
Young has shown great consistency this season, being present for 17 out of Atlanta’s 18 games. He is playing an average of 36 minutes per game, which ties his career-best from the previous season. In the past six games, Young has played a lot of minutes, displaying no lingering injury effects.
NBA’s Message to Teams
The penalty highlights the NBA’s dedication to reducing unnecessary load management. The NBA Cup is becoming more popular, so the league aims to have its top players playing to provide fans with an optimal experience and maintain competitiveness among teams.
Trae Young continues to be a key player for the Hawks, and this situation highlights the NBA’s changing rules.
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