Trae Young criticizes the new NBA rule changes after loss: 'It's frustrating' / News - Basketnews.com

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The Atlanta Hawks (3-2) lost to the Washington Wizards by 11 points last night. Atlanta's star guard Trae Young scored 15 points (6/17 FG, 2/3 FT) and made post-game comments regarding the officiating. Specifically, the newly changed rules surrounding fouls.

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The NBA started emphasizing non-basketball moves designed to draw contact. The referees aren't supposed to call defensive fouls when that happens.

"I don't want to get fined too much, but it's frustrating, "Young said. "There's a lot of missed calls. It's basketball. It's just, it feels that they're learning, and they're just - I don't know. It's frustrating."

"There are certain things that, I agree with the rule changes, but then there's things that are still fouls, and guys are going to get hurt. Especially a smaller guy like me who's going up against bigger and stronger defenders, they're using their body, and they're using their legs and their hands to stop me."

Young averaged 8.7 free throw attempts a game last year. He's accumulating 4.4 this season after taking only three Thursday.

James Harden is another player that seems to be affected by the new changes this season. He is averaging 16.6 points with only 3.0 free throw attempts per game.

"I saw James said it's about him, but it's not targeting just one player or two players," Young said. He mentioned Damian Lillard and Devin Booker, who have also started the season slow scoring-wise.

"You can watch basketball. Damian Lillard's never averaged 17 points probably since his rookie year. There's a couple guys. I mean, Book's averaging 18. There's a lot of things that, when guys are driving straight, and guys are getting knocked off balance - it's still a foul, whether they're using their lower body or their hands."

However, not all NBA players agree with Young. Kyle Kuzma and Steve Kerr expressed their support toward the new rule changes.

"I love what I'm seeing," Steve Kerr said. "I think the officials are doing a great job. The game has more of an authentic feel."

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