James Young is driven on showing everyone he’s still an NBA player
It’s strange to be written off at age 22, but that’s kinda where we stand with Young.
James Young’s career really has come full circle in three short years. During his inaugural media day as a pro he was asked about possibly playing in the D-League — now the G League — and responded, “Definitely not.” Now, without an NBA job, he’s signed with the G League and fighting for a chance to make his return.
Professional careers are regarded with a sense of finality far too often. Young just turned 22-years-old three short months ago, but many talk about him as if he will never sniff an NBA court again. Prime years for NBA players are usually around ages 26–29, but as illogical as it may sound, guys are cast aside far too early.
Every player doesn’t reach his peak at the same time, however, and that’s why scouts get paid to find the right players. Young didn’t fit in Boston. He had three years to prove he belonged and based on their evaluations, he didn’t provide enough upside to keep around, even at his age.
Young came into the league with steep expectations. He played on a Kentucky roster which included Julius Randle, Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison, Dakari Johnson, Willie Cauley-Stein and Alex Poythress. Every one of those players is currently on an NBA roster except Aaron Harrison who also plays in the G League. Young put up 14.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting a shade over 40 percent from the floor and under 35 percent from 3, but the potential was there.
The potential is still there.
Young is a 6-foot-7 wing who can really shoot the ball, and now he has more confidence than ever. It sounds weird to have more confidence when the Celtics let him go and no other NBA saw fit to roster him, but it’s clear this is the case.
I spoke to Young two weeks ago before his Wisconsin Herd took on the Santa Cruz Warriors and he just exuded confidence. He walked in the gym with his coaches and teammates, and though he was chitchatting like a peer, he walked with an air of superiority, but not arrogance. There’s a fine line there, but he’s toeing it to perfection right now.
Young didn’t play in this game as he sat out two consecutive games with what the team told me was a “minor ailment”, but he was happy to talk nonetheless. He’s excited to take on a leadership role, which means becoming more vocal in all aspects of the game.
When asked what’s different this year as compared to past seasons as an assignee from the Celtics, he said, “There is no difference man. I’m just getting better every day.”
“When I was on assignment it was also about getting better and that’s what I’m going to do now that I’m signed as a [G League] player. I’m here to lead the younger guys on my team and show them the ways of an NBA player.”
James Young, the veteran?
At the time of this interview he was still the youngest player on this roster. Since then the team has added Cameron Oliver (21), Vitto Brown (22) and Cliff Alexander (22) returned from a suspension. While he’s still young in terms of defined age, it’s important he realizes he has knowledge to provide his peers as they all work towards attaining something better for themselves.
Hell, he’s the same age or younger than 16 of the 60 players drafted last June.
He laughs it off when I bring up the age factor and his “lead the younger guys” comment, but quickly refocuses and clarifies what he means.
“We got enough guys here that are willing to learn every day and get better, and that’s what going to be really good for us. Coach said he needs me to step up. I’ve been in the league for a little bit, so I can show the guys the ways of a pro and take a few under my wing.”
We’re conducting the interview on the bench as his teammates are shooting and warming up, and he’s constantly yelling, “good shot!” and “there you go!” as guys get ready for a game he won’t be playing in. He’s fully bought into this experience this time around, and he truly stands out as one of the team’s leaders in that regard.
As for what Young has learned in his three years playing with Boston, he says, “Just slowing the game down mentally and just reading it. A lot of reading on on offense, knowing where to be on defense and communicating a lot more. I was a lot quieter in years past, now I’m just trying to be more vocal and do the little things that help a team win.”
He’s certainly living up to the helping a team win comment. The Herd are 6–2 on the season and 5–1 when Young is active. He currently leads the league in scoring at 27.5 points a night coupled with 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists as well. More importantly, he’s doing it with extreme efficiency. Now, he’s only played six games but he’s hitting 53.6 percent of his attempts and a blistering 43.9 percent (9.5 attempts) of his 3s.
Since returning from his injury he dropped back-to-back 40-point performances and earned Performer of the Week for the G League to boot. In each of those games, he took 16 or less field goal attempts. Again, efficiency. With Young on the court the Herd are scoring 18.8 more points than when he’s off and he’s starting to get teammates more involved with 13 assists over his last three games.
His focus on scoring hasn’t changed and he’s quick to identify that aspect of his game as a strong suit.
“I want to focus on consistent scoring. Just hitting open shots at all times and knowing my game and what I want to be strong at.”
Open shots have not been an issue. He’s knocked down 25 3-pointers and 23 of those have been assisted. He’s not forcing up bad shots off the dribble and when you examine his shot charts, it looks like he could be playing for the Houston Rockets — it’s 3s and layups so far. Young has only taken 16 shots outside the paint which were not 3s and he’s hitting those at a 56.3 percent clip.
When he is attacking the rim he’s finishing 75.0 percent (18-of-24) in the restricted area, and earning trips to the free throw line. He’s shooting 7.8 free throws per game right now which is more than double any past figures during his assignments to Maine from Boston. Right now, he doesn’t need to make plays unless they present themselves. He’s supremely dialed in on shooting and proving he can be a quality catch-and-shoot threat at the next level.
He’s heard the whispers. He knows people think he’s done.
“I mean…(pauses, smiles and continues) it’s a process. The league is an up and down thing. It is what is, you know. I’m here and I’m going to get better every day. I’m not here to look down on anything, I’m truly just here to get better and it’s definitely a process.”
