I mean you can't expect too much from a 17th pick, but I'm trying to find positive aspects in this kids game.
So far I've come to the conclusion that he has:
Positives:
*Has good size for a wing. has the tools to be a good defender who can shoot over smaller wings.
*can shoot the three when wide open. Likely a lethal three point shooter when open.
*He's very young. Third youngest in draft behind Vonleh and Gordon- so there's time to spend on him and develop the pieces he's missing.
*Has good offensive instincts. Likes to attack the ring after faking the three point shot. Not polished enough to finish regularly yet but those instincts are good for a stretch wing.
Other than that I can't find anything to get excited about.
Glaring weaknesses
*horrid defender. I mean this kid is a worse defender than the rest of the top 20 picks. Quite possibly the worst defender in the first round. Jabari Parker's defense looks solid compared to James Young's defense. I don't just mean 1v1 defense, I mean all over the court in help situations and awareness. He's completely lost.
*does not go right. Defenders basically have to cut off his left hand drive and he'll be stuck.
* No dribble game. Has one move where he goes left off the dribble, but he's so slow that his defenders seem to recover and force him into a bad shot.
Ainge is saying he's definitely a small forward, but he was judged against shooting guards in all the scouting reports. Seems like he's too weak to play small forward.
When we picked him I thought he might be a James Posey or Michael Pietrus potential type guy. The more I watch of him, I'm worried he might be a poor man's James Jones who hits open threes and is a liability on defense.
What was Danny thinking with this pick? I am finding it hard to justify that he was the best player available. His age?
James Young does seem to recognize his weaknesses which is a good sign but still...
Is anyone else worried that James Young will be an enormous flop of a pick?
Do we just cross our fingers and hope he 'gets it' after 2-3 seasons?
What is his ceiling?