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James Young Needs Time To Prove Himself For The Boston Celtics

By Eric Laboissonniere

Feb 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics shooting guard James Young (13) is guarded by Denver Nuggets guard forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 104-100. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics shooting guard James Young (13) is guarded by Denver Nuggets guard forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 104-100. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Close to this time last year, the Boston Celtics drafted Marcus Smart and James Young in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft. Smart had a fantastic rookie season at the point guard position, while James Young spent most of his time in the NBA D-League. Although Young did not see the floor that much for the Celtics last season, he showed great signs of development and improvement in the D-League, which is why Young should be ready to prove himself for the Celtics this upcoming season, especially since he has the potential to be a great player for the Celtics.

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Young was a terrific college basketball player for the Kentucky Wildcats, he is extremely athletic and he is a good shooter, but people questioned whether he had the work ethic to be great at the next level. There were times in college where he would be non-existent during games, which is why he was not a lottery pick in the 2014 draft. The Celtics took Young knowing he would be a “high risk, high reward,” player, which is not a bad thought in the middle of the first round.

Sep 29, 2014; Waltham, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard James Young (13) (left) and guard Marcus Smart (36) during media day at the Celtics practice facility. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2014; Waltham, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard James Young (13) (left) and guard Marcus Smart (36) during media day at the Celtics practice facility. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Young did not really get on the floor for the Celtics last season, he spent most of his time playing for the Maine Red Claws, where he put up impressive numbers. Even when the Celtics traded away Jeff Green, Young still did not see much time because coach Brad Stevens decided to go with Tayshaun Prince and Jae Crowder at the small forward spot, and stick with Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Isaiah Thomas, and Evan Turner in the backcourt. Next season, Young should fight for playing time now that Prince is not with the Celtics anymore, and because he has really worked hard this offseason.

According to ESPN Boston’s Chris Forsberg, Young has added about 15 pounds of muscle and three inches to his vertical. Young deserves the chance to prove himself this season for the Celtics because he could be a hidden gem for the team that desperately needs a star. He might not develop into a star, but he does have many great qualities that are very promising. He has great size to play the two-guard or the small forward, he can really shoot the ball, and he is extremely athletic. Young’s stint in the D-League should be over, he should have a permanent spot on the Celtics’ roster, and he should get in almost every game because he will be able to add instant offense off the bench.

Players like Young need time on the court to develop, even late in games just to see how he can handle himself. The Celtics are hoping that Young can be a star one day, and the only way they will ever know if he can be a star is if he sees the court every game for the Celtics next season.

Putting up huge numbers in the D-League is pretty impressive, but many players put up big numbers in the D-League, which is why Young needs time to prove himself next season in Boston. Adding 15 pounds of muscle and three inches to his vertical definitely shows that he is trying to better himself, which means that he has the work ethic to hopefully be a great player one day.

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