San Antonio Spurs 2nd Round Draft Prospect: Joseph Young

Joseph Young: 22-years old, Oregon, Point Guard/Shooting Guard

Draft Express Measurements (Draft Combine): 6″2, 182-pounds, 6″5 wingspan

2014-15 Stats: 20.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.0 blocks, 1.1 steals, 45% field goals, 93% free-throws, 36% threes, 36.7 minutes

Quick Season Review: Young led the Pac-12 in scoring and finished fourth in the nation in free-throw percentage. Young was the primary factor in the Oregon Ducks 26-10 season, a team that lost in the third round of the NCAA Tournament against runner-up Wisconsin. Young scored in double digits in 34 of 36 games and had 30 or more points in five different games. Young’s best game of the season was arguably against Washington State. He finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. This performance came after he went for 32 points against Washington four days prior. These are the type of memorable performances that Young had for the Ducks, as he willed them to victory, more nights than not. He scored 27 points against Oklahoma State and 30 against Wisconsin in the big dance.

Strengths: One of the best scorers in the draft. Extremely skilled. Can really shoot the ball at high level (made at least 1.8 threes a game every year). Great free-throw shooter. Killer instinct and plays well in crunch time. Solid rebounding guard. Excellent athlete (40.5-inch vertical). Doesn’t make many mistakes (2.4 to) despite high usage.

Weaknesses: Plays like a two-guard, but has the size of a one. At times he only looks for his own offense. Must improve passing. Defense a concern, too small for a lot of top tier guards. Ceiling isn’t high like many prospects.

Where Would He Help Spurs?

Joseph Young will provide instant offense if he gets the opportunity. He isn’t afraid of the big moment, which means he would fit in well on an experienced Spurs team.

NBA Comparison: Isaiah Thomas

Remember when Isaiah Thomas was taken with the 60th pick in the 2011 Draft? In four NBA seasons he is averaging 15.6 points and 4.7 assists. Young is similar to Thomas, in terms of athleticism and scoring. The only difference is that Thomas is a better passer and Young is bigger.

Below is a Joseph Young highlight video uploaded by North Dallas.

Next: San Antonio Spurs 2nd Round Draft Prospect: Brandon Ashley