Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young announced today via social media that he is leaving the USA Basketball Men’s Select Team because of a minor injury. Per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Young suffered a minor eye infection and will leave the camp, which is being held in Las Vegas.
Via Twitter, Young wrote: “It is with deep sadness that I have to leave USA Basketball Minicamp to deal with a minor injury. Although I look forward to seeing [USA Basketball National Team] Coach [Gregg] Popovich and the Team bring home the Gold this summer, I feel it is most important for me at this moment in my career to focus on my health and preparing for the NBA season with the Atlanta Hawks. Finally, I want to thank USA Basketball and I look forward to hopefully having another opportunity in the future!”
Young’s teammate on the Hawks, big man John Collins, is still participating in the camp as a part of the Select Team. Additionally, Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce is serving as an assistant coach for the USA Basketball National Team as a part of Popovich’s staff. The Select Team roster consists of the following players: Jarrett Allen (Brooklyn Nets); Marvin Bagley (Sacramento Kings); Mikel Bridges (Phoenix Suns); Jalen Brunson (Dallas Mavericks); Pat Connaughton (Milwaukee Bucks); De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings); Joe Harris (Brooklyn Nets); Jonathan Isaac (Orlando Magic); Mitchell Robinson (New York Knicks); Landry Shamet (Los Angeles Clippers); and Derrick White (San Antonio Spurs).
Last season, Young led all first-year players in total points (1549) and total assists (653) en route to a unanimous first team All-Rookie selection and a Hawks franchise record four Kia NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards. The No. 5 pick in the 2018 Draft, Young averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per game and led the Eastern Conference in total assists and games with 20+ points/10+ assists (18) — the third-highest rookie total in NBA history.
