The dream is complete...
Nick Young realized his dream last night when he was drafted by the Washington Wizards at #16 in the first round of the NBA draft. This has been quite a journey for Young and his family, as has been well documented in the Nick Young Documentary Second Chance Season.
Young's being picked in the first round ensures him a guaranteed contract and the ability to take care of his family. Young slipped a little further than I thought he would especially when the Clippers needed a guard but chose Florida State forward Al Thornton; that was an intriguing pick to me. I thought he would go to New Orleans and got nervous when he was there for Detroit. Once Detroit passed I got a little selfish and hoped he go to New Jersey as they play right down the road but instead ends up with the Wizards so DC Trojan has the chance to see him if he can fit time into his busy schedule ☺.
In joining the Wizards he joins another former L.A. guard in Gilbert Arenas whose dad Young played for during high school.
From Matthew Kredell in the Daily News.
On a few occasions, Gilbert Arenas Jr. would stop by and talk to the players about what it was like in the NBA.
But Young can't remember anything said by Arenas, who went to Grant High in Van Nuys. He was too excited about talking to an NBA player to focus on what was coming out of his mouth.
More conversations are upcoming and it's safe to say that, this time, Young will pay attention.
Having Arenas there in D.C. should help Nick transition well into the pro's. It was nervous time for Nick as he hoped to be the USC player to go in the Lottery but it was not to be when New Orleans passed up on Young. Young became the highest Trojan taken since Harold Minor in 1992. Playing next to Arenas should get Nick a lot of shots and looking at the numbers that is his strong point.
From the FanHouse:
Here's how he stacks up against some shooting guards in the draft:
Corey Brewer: 47% FG, 33% three's
Rodney Stuckey: 45% FG, 26% three's (playing for Eastern Washington against inferior competition)
Morris Almond: 48% FG, 45% three's (playing for Rice, in pathetic Conference USA)
Aaron Afflalo: 46% FG, 37% three's (Pac-10 Player of the Year)
Daequan Cook: 44% FG, 41% three's
So, congratulations to Nick! We wish him the best of luck with the Wizards.