James Young may have finally turned a corner in his career, beating out R.J Hunter for the final roster spot
The Boston Celtics knew that a tough decision was coming with the final roster cuts due today, and in what has been one of the most disappointing starts to a Celtics player career in the Brad Stevens era, James Young appears to have finally made the progress he needed. After an exciting preseason, Young beat out another former first round pick, leaving R.J Hunter without a spot on the team.
It felt like the same old story when the Young hype started at the beginning of camp, but there were signs that this year may have been different. Young appeared to mature as a player and teammates Jae Crowder raved about his confidence and demeanour on the court. There has been hype around Young in the last, but what the hype was about has been different. It has been the little things, the mentality and the kind of effort that allowed guys like Marcus Smart to flourish that finally became a part of Young’s game.
More from Hardwood Houdini
- Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
- Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
- ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
- Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
- Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?
It took him time, but Young appeared to learn how he needed to play in order to fit in properly, rather than bank on his unrealized offensive potential. Young put more work into the defensive end and focused more on the mental aspect of the game, figuring out how he can optimize his game in the current situation with Stevens.
Young’s tenure with the team has given him ample opportunity to understand how he needs to play in order to be the most effective, and he clearly did enough to earn that opportunity to prove it can translate to the NBA.
It felt as though this may have been the final opportunity for Young. A major disappointment who appeared to make little to no progress throughout his young career was considered a lost cause by many. The Celtics, who have preached patience during the entirety of this rebuild, feel as though he is finally ready to be an NBA player.
Of course, this was a battle for the final roster spot on the team. Young could have a minimal to non-existent role, but the important thing is that he is has clearly showed signs of the progress that was needed to become a capable NBA player.
Even if it is for that final roster spot, Young still should get his opportunity to provide a much needed offensive spark. The Celtics have great guard depth on the defensive end, but Smart and Terry Rozier are going to need help on the offensive end. If Young can continue to do the little things that will allow him to contribute in multiple ways, we will quickly find out how much damage he can do on the offensive end.
It is a shame to see Hunter go. He has embraced Boston and fans have continued to hold out hope that he could become the three point shooter they have desperately needed. It is a bit of a surprise to see Hunter left off the roster in his second year, after he made it in his first year. That being said, that is what happens when a team improves their roster the way the Celtics have.
One big advantage for Young over Hunter this preseason was consistency. There were flashes of scoring bursts, and he had fewer bad moments that Hunter. Hunter had one of the best performances of anyone on the with with his 17 point performance in just 12 minutes, but that one game was not enough to make up for what was a consistently solid campaign for Young.
The second unit is currently in a state of transition. Young guards are taking over and Young could be the key to maintaining their second unit spark. They need someone to step up on the offensive end, but that will only be a possibility if he continues to the little things. Young needs to use his size to provide defensive versatility, and a rebounding boost to what could be a very small second unit.
Next: Could Jonas Jerebko Finally Seize a Bigger Role?
Young needs to be a willing passer and an aggressive finisher. If he truly has turned a corner this year then how well he understand what to do on the court could be the biggest reason why. Physcial development will improve his tools, but the mental aspect of the game is how he will secure a consistent role on a second unit that is largely undefined.