2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds
By Joe Nardone
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
17. Boston Celtics – James Young, SF, Kentucky
H: 6′ 7″ W: 213 lbs DOB: 08/16/1995
2013-14 NCAA (40 GP) 14.3 PPG 4.3 RPG 1.7 APG 16.8 PER
While I can see this pick either being traded or being devoted to a point guard, if the Celtics are to take Noah Vonleh with their first pick then I think they have to go after a scorer with their second first round pick. And who better than James Young? The eighth best player in the heralded high school class of 2013, Young had to fight through a backcourt of twin shooting guards handling the ball and Julius Randle to get his shots up, which believe me, he did. Young led the team in field goal attempts, and shot a woeful .407 from the field on the season, but when he was on, he displayed NBA range, great form on his jumper, and silky smooth athleticism.
Young obviously has to learn what shots he should and shouldn’t be taking, but he’s a major talent with lots of upside, and someone who can probably score at the next level immediately. — Jared