At 29 years old, Nick Young is in his basketball prime. His unique intersection of talent, guile and happiness were part of a plan to distract the view. A second scorer to buffer the mediocrity of average players would grandfather in rebuilding. In Nick Young’s case, it was not based on championships nor an All-Star resume, but a sample size of 64 games in 2013-14. Playing on a losing team, he stood out. He was the favorite of coaches as he elevated his game, didn’t complain and played with joy.
Dec 2, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) fouls Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
This year, Nick Young was supposed to match last year’s achievement and possibly exceed it. It all seemed reasonable, not some pie-in-the-sky dream. Nick Young would hover around 17-19 points a game. He would be an offensive anchor and compliment the Lakers more competitive personality, Kobe Bryant.
Remember all of the Sixth Man of the Year talk?
But after eleven games, Nick Young is posting career low numbers in certain areas. He is shooting 38%, arctic territory he has never before experienced. He has had four games (out of the eleven he has played) where he has shot 30% or less: Dallas (28%), Memphis (28%), New Orleans (23%), Denver (16%). As is often the case with Nick Young, his assist numbers are barely there. This year he averages less than one assist per game.
But to be fair, Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss did not offer Nick Young a free agent contract because they were anticipating a two-way player, a versatile defender, ball handler, and passer. No, Nick Young at 29 is who he was at 19. His NBA development with the Wizards, Clippers, 76ers and Lakers have done nothing to reshape his identity or what you see on the court. His job is to score.
This season it has been an uphill and frustrating climb. His 14 points a game are three points less than last year where he was a pivotal cog in the quick paced Mike D’antoni shooting fest. Nowadays, Nick Young barely finishes at the rim and not because he is a 19 year veteran coming off of Achilles and knee injuries. Nick Young has a more basic excuse as he twists his body and launches an awkward shot. His rhythm is gone.
As with everything that concerns the Lakers, Kobe Bryant is the convenient excuse. But the numbers say something altogether different. Playing with Kobe and playing without him hasn’t influenced the shots NIck has made. He has drilled the same number, in the 25+ range, with Kobe on the floor or off the floor. The difference is Nick takes more shots when he plays with Kobe. And he misses more shots too.
The biggest problem are the lanes Kobe provides when double teamed. Nick has never been an off the dribble efficient in the lane scorer, he doesn’t have a floater nor does he post up. He rarely explodes and finishes at the rim with a dunk. He doesn’t move without the ball. He is not a player who plays off of contact. He averages less than one free throw for each quarter he plays. It is a testament to his lack of aggression in the paint.
It’s not all bad news for Nick Young this year. He is shooting a very high percentage from three: 42%. It is the highest of his career. The only problem is that most teams in the Western Conference won’t allow him a steady diet of it. Understanding his reluctance to play in the paint, good defenses force him to drive and finish, in effect they take away what he does best. He is making 32% of his two point shots. (Last year he shot 46%). He doesn’t have a Plan B.
His wrist injury has made this season complicated. He never had a training camp and came back to work with an entirely new group of teammates. Not to mention Byron Scott’s philosophy is nowhere near as uncomplicated and player friendly for a perimeter shooter as was D’antoni’s. As fun loving as he is, Nick hates to lose and in these past two seasons losing has been the one consistent thing that binds these Lakers together.
The way back begins with better first quarters. He is 11-31 (35%) at the start of games. If he can solve that riddle, he can reclaim the offensive rhythm that is lacking. Mitch Kupchak built this team with Nick Young in mind, with his offense providing relief to Kobe Bryant. But on many nights, Jordan Hill is the better offensive player and more dependable, not Nick Young. Which, of course, makes no sense at all.