Photo: Peter Baba

Trae Young believes drawing fouls has become one of the most effective tools in his offensive game, and he has no problem frustrating opponents in the process.

The NBA guard explained that his approach comes from understanding what defenders are allowed to do and recognizing when their physicality crosses the line.

Rather than simply absorbing the contact, Young looks for opportunities to turn it into an advantage for his team.

“I understand the rules. I mean, that’s the reason why I do it. If you were on my team, you would appreciate it. My teammates love being in the bonus and getting fouled.”

Young acknowledged that opponents may become frustrated with the way he creates contact and gets to the free-throw line.

From his perspective, however, defenders still have the option to play physically as long as they remain within the rules.

“As mad as you want to be at me, you can’t be aggressive with me. You can be physical. The NBA is physical. But when you start being overly physical, I use that to my advantage.”

The strategy is not only about earning individual trips to the free-throw line. Young also views it as a way to put opposing defenders in difficult situations and move his team closer to the bonus.

“At the same time, it puts you in foul trouble and gets us closer to the bonus. So, yeah, it definitely makes people mad.”