When the NBA launched a series of new rules to cut down on foul-hunting movements, players like James Harden, Trae Young and Luka Doncic were seen as obvious targets for the changes. That impact has already been apparent in the early going of this season, and the affected players haven’t shied away from voicing their frustration.
Young, in particular, has seen his free-throw attempt average drop from 9 attempts per game over the past two seasons to 5.8 this season. He already has 4 technical fouls this season, and on Saturday, it briefly appeared that one referee was taking joy in the Hawks star’s frustration.
Video hit Twitter during Atlanta’s loss to the Phoenix Suns showing referee Kevin Scott make a mock-crying motion to the Hawks bench. At face value, the clip didn’t look great, and it even caught Young’s attention.
🤔… Hmm Interesting.
I get fined though😂🤐 #WhyIsItPersonal https://t.co/sfwxeswiuu
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) November 7, 2021
The NBA, though, said that wasn’t the case. The league issued a statement on Sunday to add context to the video. According to NBA spokesperson Tim Frank, the Hawks bench asked why Young was T’d up, and he made the gesture to communicate that Young did a “glasses/open your eyes” gesture to the officials.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank: “Trae Young was issued a technical foul for taunting the referees with a two-handed gesture indicating a need for glasses. … Kevin Scott was asked by the Hawks' bench why he issued the technical foul. In response, Scott quickly imitated Young’s gesture.” https://t.co/fsqZQTUWTc
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) November 7, 2021
Considering that Young has gotten T’d for the “open your eyes” gesture before, the explanation does make sense.
Trae Young funny as hell & brings back the "open your eyes, ref" move, immediately gets T'd up 😂 pic.twitter.com/pVaa8kFvMY
— Hoops ON Tap (@SONTHoops) June 15, 2021
So much for that.
