Disclaimer: I know you guys thinks he sucks, he's a bust, and he's overrated. And WHY am I making a post about him in the first place?
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James Young was a binkie of mine.
I really hoped he could've achieved his true potential with us. 2013-2015, I followed our young players religiously, even to a certain point of 'obsession.' (Mekhi Pfeiffer would like to have a word with you.)
Call me an outlier, call me a weirdo, or usual suspecting Celtics homer, or whatever you want.
I still believe someone like James Young will find his place in the NBA, whether or not as a role player, sixth man, or even the starting SG/SF shooting lefty swing that I always considered he could've been.
We've seen it all the time in the NBA. Players who are talented, athletic, but just never put it together. Some players are given so much hype, but they never apply themselves enough to work on their game. James Young as you know has been waived since 2016, after he joined the Wisconsin Herd. He did okay, but got waived thereafter, and decided to go overseas to the Israeli League, where's he's actually doing pretty decent.
So how decent?
He's leading the league in points with 20.5.
His stats are as follows: 20.5/5.2/1.9 on 44.5/41.1/79.7.
You might say that the Israeli League is weak competition, (Deni Avdija is putting up 13.5/6.1./2.9 for example there,) and considered one of the weakest leagues in the world. That is true, but it should at least be comforting he's doing well there. If he was averaging like 10/4/3, I feel that would be somewhat concerning.
He's been working with Tremaine Dalton of The Process Basketball during his tenure with Macabi. And to be honest, I actually think his game has improved a lot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ri1HuiA4BA&t=306sI have some kind of infatuation with left handed shooters. I just find their shooting so aesthetically appealing. I've noticed when he was with us, he had a tendency to shoot and land awkwardly after the release. While he hasn't exactly fixed that, he's actually used that to help him gather more momentum and create more off the catch fouls on 3's.
He also seems more willing and engaged. Seems to listen to criticism and handle it better. Looks like his maturity level has increased, and hopefully he can use that knowledge to allow him to make a comeback to the league.
I think the ability to shoot and his height will allow him to give himself that opportunity. I just hope he doesn't squander it.
The world needs more James Young. Or maybe I do? (Maybe I really liked the Smart & Young tagline.)
James Young: Media Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De3CAjg2MBAJames Young Israeli Highlights, (this is in Korean lol.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSBvfP8NAcc