Trae Young endears himself to teammates after being ejected from Wizards' bench

Trae Young, who has not yet played for the Washington Wizards, was ejected Monday after stepping onto the court to protest a shove against teammate Jamir Watkins; coach Brian Keefe praised him for sticking up for teammates.

Trae Young has not yet played for the Washington Wizards but has been active on the bench since his January trade. He was ejected Monday night during the Rockets-Wizards game after stepping onto the court to protest a shove against teammate Jamir Watkins. Officials assessed a technical foul and crew chief Tony Brothers announced the ejection for walking onto the court. Coach Brian Keefe later praised Young for sticking up for his teammates. Key details: - Trae Young was on the bench in street clothes and has not yet played for the Wizards. - Late in the third quarter, Houston's Tari Eason shoved Jamir Watkins twice; the second shove led to a stoppage in play. - Young crossed the sideline and spoke to referee Jacyn Goble; Goble called a technical on Young and crew chief Tony Brothers announced an ejection for walking onto the court. - Coach Brian Keefe said he was proud Young stuck up for teammates and noted he has been engaged since arriving. - Young posted on X that he will bring energy and competitiveness when he returns to Washington. - The Wizards have said Young is planning to make his debut Thursday when the team hosts the Utah Jazz. Summary: Young's ejection reinforced his early rapport with teammates and fans by demonstrating visible support from the bench. Coach Keefe described the incident as standing up for teammates and expressed pride in Young's actions. Young is planning to make his Wizards debut Thursday at home against the Utah Jazz.