Atlanta Hawks Star Trae Young's Father Blasts ESPN and Iman Shumpert Over Harsh Contract Criticism: 'Do Your Homework'
A recent episode of NBA Today has stirred up heated debate in the NBA world, leading to a strong response from
Rayford Young
, father of
Atlanta Hawks
star
Trae Young
. After ESPN aired a segment questioning Young's worthiness of a max contract, Rayford took to social media to call out both the network and analyst
Iman Shumpert
for what he deemed lazy, outdated analysis.
ESPN Debate Questions Trae Young's Value
On the July 18, 2025 edition of NBA Today, ESPN analysts discussed the future of
Trae Young
with the Atlanta Hawks as he becomes eligible for a contract extension. Panelists—including former NBA guard Iman Shumpert and insider Bobby Marks—debated whether Young had earned a max deal. The conversation focused heavily on Young's defensive shortcomings and whether those outweighed his elite offensive skills.
Iman Shumpert, never one to shy away from blunt commentary, argued that Young's defense holds the
Atlanta Hawks
back, especially in the postseason: 'At 6'3', it's tough to hide him in certain switchable situations.
You want your point guard to at least fight over screens, get in passing lanes, and Trae's just not there defensively. That hurts your team's ceiling.'
The comments reignited an old debate about Young's perceived defensive limitations and whether he's grown enough as a two-way player to anchor a contender.
Rayford Young Responds: 'Opinions Are Cheap—Facts Matter'
Rayford Young, who's known for defending his son in public forums, wasn't about to let the criticism slide. On July 20, he responded on X, calling out both ESPN and Iman Shumpert directly.
His frustration centered on what he viewed as a lack of updated insight into his son's development.
'If ESPN and Shumpert would do their homework, they'd see how much Trae's game has evolved. It's easy to criticize from the sideline but look at his numbers, his work ethic, and what he means to Atlanta. Opinions are cheap—facts matter.'
The post quickly gained traction, with Atlanta Hawks fans rallying around the younger Young.
Many pointed to his improved defensive stats, clutch postseason performances, and undeniable offensive production as proof that he's more than deserving of a max extension.
The Bigger Picture: Media vs. Player Circles
This isn't the first time Rayford Young has taken issue with national media portrayals of his son—and it likely won't be the last. He's long been vocal about what he sees as selective storytelling when it comes to Trae's on-court effort and off-court leadership.
And ESPN, often criticized for sensationalized narratives, remains a frequent target for such backlash.
Criticism of Iman Shumpert also echoed a common sentiment: that former players sometimes fall back on dated scouting reports instead of analyzing a player's actual growth.
Trae Young by the Numbers
- 2024-25 Season Averages: Over 25 points and 9 assists per game
- Offensive Ranking: Top five in both assists and usage rate
- Defensive Metrics: Improvement in defensive rating and activity; Atlanta adjusted its schemes to maximize his impact
- Intangibles: Known for leadership, charity work, and strong ties to the Atlanta community
The back-and-forth is more than just another sports media spat—it reflects a growing trend where players' families and local communities push back on mainstream narratives.
For Atlanta Hawks fans, Rayford's response isn't just about protecting Trae—it's about demanding accuracy and depth from national analysts.
Iman Shumpert has yet to reply publicly, though ESPN insiders maintained that NBA Today is a debate-driven show that encourages bold takes and differing perspectives.
Also read:
Stephen Curry Names $197,230,450 Memphis Grizzlies Star the Most Athletic Player in the NBA—Over His Own Teammate
For now, the spotlight remains on Trae Young: whether he earns that max extension, whether his defense continues to improve, and whether national media will finally catch up with the version of him that Atlanta already sees.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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