How the Phoenix Suns Slow Down Trae Young: Put the “New Rule” Into Practice
Other than James Harden, no player looks more targeted by the NBA’s new ruling against “non-basketball” moves than Young right now. As someone who spent years baiting his defenders into fouls, the league’s decision to no longer award Young with free throws after doing so has frustrated him to say the least.
Trae Young free-throw attempts per game:
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) October 29, 2021
◻️ 2021-22: 4.4
◻️ 2020-21: 8.7
◻️ 2019-20: 9.3
“I know how to score without shooting free throws, but at the same time, I know I’m getting fouled a lot more than I am.”@ChrisKirschner has more: https://t.co/mjXvpPyXYH pic.twitter.com/RNjd9EWK2s
Phoenix needs to take advantage of this, and bully Young with their physicality. Young clearly stands unadjusted to this brand of defense, and that makes him somewhat vulnerable.
By no means should the Suns go out and try to hurt Young, but if he says that some refs have “swallowed their whistles” when watching him play, the Suns would be foolish to not test his theory. Bump him off the drive, bash him down low, and throw your weight around any chance you get with Young holding the rock.
At the same time though, if the game’s officials begin to offer Young some calls, Phoenix’s defense needs to remain versatile and stay ready to dial things back. Last year, Young shot 92.0 percent from the line, so you do not want to usher him over to the charity stripe all game either.
The Suns just need to feel things out a bit, look at how long their leash goes for, and then attack accordingly.