Someone’s gain is someone’s loss, and sadly, the Greek-Nigerian falls in the latter category for now. Giannis Antetokounmpo was set to be the headliner for team Charles Barkley. Sadly, the Milwaukee Bucks international suffered a left calf strain. The Greek Freak has missed four straight games since and will need another week to recover. That rules him out for the All-Star weekend, and the NBA has named its replacement.

And it doesn’t come easy, as the world comes out with its criticism and list of stars. Fans, after all. But who is the one gaining here? After a depressing reaction to not being part of the annual event, Trae Young has been confirmed as Antetokounmpo’s replacement. After not making it initially, the Hawks superstar took to Twitter to express his dismay. He jokingly called for the term snubbed to be replaced by ‘Traed’.

However, that won’t be necessary anymore. Young has been among the best East guards this season. Notably, the 26-year-old leads the league in assists. And since the first news of his not making the All-Star game, Trae Young is putting on an elegant display. In his last five games, the Hawks guard has four 30+ point games. With hard work, luck does play its part. And it came through the all-star game way.

Many would have thought Young was the most deserving candidate to replace Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, there might be more now who are asking him to boycott the game. They feel there is someone else who deserves to be in San Francisco more than Young. Imagine, someone who is the league leader with 11.4 assists per game isn’t deserving! Well, there are justifications by these passionate fans.

NBA fans call for LaMelo Ball over Trae Young

Several of the NBA community were glad to see Trae Young be named the replacement. His excellent playmaking skills and diverse range of scoring call for such an accolade. Still, some feel for his respect, Young should decline. “Lmao if I were tray I’d refuse that shit. I ain’t coming on second choice. Doing that for an injury is even more wild,” one fan mentioned.

With pride on the line, no player would want to be a replacement. Yet, at the same time, the selection process is intricate and intense. There are several players every season that fall in the snub category. Even Suns’ Devin Booker wasn’t selected for the All-Star game. However, such an opportunity exists to recognize the best players every year. And Young will likely not reject it.

But if not do it himself, many fans come together to tell the NBA they made the wrong choice. Who did they want? The exciting 23-year-old from the Hornets, LaMelo Ball. “Adam Silver either hates Lamelo or is trying to force him out of Charlotte,” a fan wrote.

Ball’s exclusion has confused the NBA fanbase from the time the results came in. No other East guard attracted more votes than LaMelo Ball. Furthermore, the Hornets’ rising star continues to be spectacular, averaging 28 points and 7.4 assists. Likewise, with him being the top pick from the fans, they want to see him be part of the game.

Honestly, it’s a tough choice. LaMelo Ball brings to the game flair that fans want to see. Additionally, he does so by involving everyone around him. On the other hand, Young has been elite all season, dialing down on his scoring for the greater good of the Hawks. Hence, some fans feel “He shoulda been there anyway”.

But in opposition, not many feel it’s fair for Ball to stay out of the game. He was the fans’ number-one choice in the backcourt. Furthermore, several NBA legends have also asked for the dazzling Hornets guard to be part of the All-Star game. One fan feels “Ngl bro yall disrespecting lamelo bro lmao but it’s cool”.

Who do you think deserved it more? Let us know your views in the comments below.