Brooklyn Nets: Quarter Season Review
Thaddeus Young
Statistics: 22 GP, 32.0 MIN, 16.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.4 BPG, 53% FG%, 19.46 PER
One word to describe his season: MVP
I felt an acronym rather than a word best described Thaddeus Young so far this season.
Thad has been the Nets’ Most Valuable Player so far this season, and I’m not sure you’d find anyone (even Brook Lopez) who would argue that. Young has lived up to his big payday this offseason, earning every penny as he leads the Nets.
Young plays very hard on both ends of the floor. He’s peskier than most think on defense, and is extraordinarily reliable offensively. He can score from nearly anywhere on the floor, though he’s been at his best when working in the paint this season. He’s the perfect complement to Brook Lopez, and the two together provide a strong frontcourt to build around in the future.
Young is on his way to a career year, as he’s been extremely efficient and has dramatically improved as a rebounder. The 27-year-old’s nine rebounds per game is an astounding improvement from his career average of nearly six rebounds a game – the biggest improvement in the NBA this season.
The Nets have struggled this season, there’s no doubt about it. However, where the Nets would be without Thaddeus Young is a scary thing to think about. He’s been their best player this season, and hopefully, his strong play will help lead to more wins as the season rolls on.