Former Oregon Point Guard Joseph Young is already living up to his potential. The Indiana Pacers second round draft pick in the 2015 NBA Draft turned in three stellar performances in the NBA Orlando Pro Summer League. After being named to the “All-League” Team, he will begin to prepare for a crucial training camp and preseason that lies ahead.
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It was clear as Summer League approached that Young was capable of carrying the scoring load–he did not disappoint. The 2014-15 PAC-12 MVP averaged 21 points per game, including a 28 point performance in his final outing. Yet, the Summer League is a simple flash of what could be ahead. Oregon fans know Joseph Young as a game-changer, and Preseason performances similar to his Summer League efforts could potentially result in him being a serious role player as a rookie.
Make no mistake, multiple 20 point performances (28 and 25 points, respectively) are difficult to achieve for any rookie, especially in a new offense with minimal familiarity surrounding you. This comes as no surprise to many, especially after Joseph Young quickly adapted to his new situation at Oregon in Fall 2013. He’s now proven on multiple occasions his ability to adapt, and play freely within a new system. Next, he’ll have to prove to Pacers coaches and management that he will be able to still perform at a high level, even though his nightly tasks will involve competing against more well known names such as Damian Lilliard, Kyrie Irving, and Isaiah Thomas.
Despite the Summer League being a very small sample of his capabilities, Young showed the potential to develop into a reliable NBA Point Guard in the upcoming years. Given his ability to score in nearly every possible fashion, he reminds many of longtime NBA Guard Monta Ellis, and I’m a believer in him one day possessing some of the same traits as Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls.
The outlook for Joseph Young is very bright, and in a league where anything can happen, his big opportunity may happen as early as his rookie season. Stay tuned for updates on Young as he progresses towards his first year.