So this is a bit of an interesting fact. Apparently Perry Jones will be at the introductory press conference later today. I've been of the opinion that Jones will simply be cut before rosters finalize, but why would he be introduced at the conference if we don't intend to keep him?
Where'd you get that impression? I don't think anyone from the team or the media has been suggesting that.
There were no rumors of any consolidation trades, and therefore, Jones is the odd man out. OKC wasn't able to trade him for an actual asset, so why would we be able to? All signs pointed to him being cut.
To be honest, I thought all signs pointed to Danny wanting to take a genuine chance on him. 23 year old, 6'11" guys with freakish athleticism don't grown on trees.
If Brad is as good at developing young talent as we all believe he is, then who knows what type of product he could produce with that type of blank canvas.
I'm thinking they probably want to give him a run in training camp alongside the other young guys (Rozier, Hunter. Mickey, Young) and critique his game from there - determine whether they feel he has the ability to become somebody special.
IIRC the NBA has a 13 man active roster, and right now we look to have nearly 40% of that roster (5/13 spots) taken up by unproven prospects. I would hazard a guess that this number will be culled by the time the regular season begins.
I expect that at least 9/13 roster spots will be taken up by proven contributors, which leaves I think 4 spots (at most) available for prospects. Hunter, Rozier and Mickey all outplayed Young in Summer League and all have multiple years guaranteed on their contracts, so I think all three of those guys are above Young on the 'prospect depth chart'.
I think Young's lack of development (or at least lack of signs of development) has him walking on a tightrope right now, and I feel like he'll probably be battling Perry Jones and Jonathan Holmes for that 4th and final 'prospect' roster spot.
People here seem to have the general perception that Young is a sure thing for a roster spot and won't get waived / traded - I wouldn't be so sure.