Nick Young: Should He Start, or be a Sixth Man?

Under Byron Scott, Nick Young is projected to be a player coming off the bench.

Does that make sense?

Last season was arguably the best season of his career.  Statistically, his season last year nearly matched his 2010 output with the Washington Wizards.  As he a Laker, he averaged 28.3 minutes per game versus 31.8 minutes per game with Washington.  He averaged 17.9 points per game versus 17.4.  His field goal percentage as a Laker is 43.5%, compared to 44.1%.  Behind the arc, the numbers are nearly even at 38.6% versus 38.7% as a Wizard.

What is the difference?

He was a more impactful player for the Laker team.  Despite a slow start entering the season as a starter, hit fit into his role as a sixth-man easily.  He was willing to make changes to his game and it was the best position for him to succeed. The standout different between his year as a Washington Wizard in 2010 compared to last season as a Laker is the number of starts.  In 2010, he had 40 game starts.  Last year, he had 6.  While the Lakers were completely injury-plagued last season, he had more three more wins than his 2010 Washington Wizard team, which included John Wall, JaVale McGee, Jordan Crawford, and Andray Blatche.  The Lakers had Pau Gasol, who was injury plagued last year.

Looking into the more advanced statistics, it’s a bit easier to see why he was more impactful as a Laker, especially as a scorer.  Most players lack a midrange game. When the shooting statistics by distance is revealed, it is very common to see a player do well within three feet from the hoop, do well behind the arc, but shoot in the 30% range between 3′ to 19′.  Nick Young shows some consistency. While he doesn’t attack the basket often, he does finish very effectively.

Basketballreference.com provides a statistical breakdown.

From 0′-3′, he shot 65%.

From 3′-10′, he shot 39.5%.

From 10′-19′, he shot 40.8%.

From 19′ to the 3-point line, he shot 40.1%.

Behind the arc, he shot 38.6%.

This shows tremendous consistency about his shooting ability at different spots on the floor, and could explain why he’s a more effective scorer when he plays alongside Kobe Bryant.

With the recent addition of Wayne Ellington, Nick Young could be the captain of the second unit.  Ellington would be a great guard to kick out to for three-point shots if Nick Young gets stuck in isolation.  If the Lakers are able to provide energy and scoring punch in waves against opponents, opposing teams may be caught off-guard and the Lakers can steal some wins.