Los Angeles Lakers swingman Nick ‘Swaggy P’ Young is known more for his antics than for his on-court contributions. When his game is examined, his offense is what is focused on. Young is good at hitting difficult shots. He’s a chucker, but capable of getting hot. He doesn’t have much of a reputation on the defensive end, but perhaps that is changing. From NBA.com (transcribed by Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen & Roll):
“We keep calling him Bruce Bowen, the Glove (Gary Payton), Kawhi [Leonard] and all those guys,” said Larry Nance Jr. after the team’s practice on Saturday. “In the same breath you can say all those guys and Nick Young.
“It’s kind of a team joke, but it’s fun because he’s been picking it up, he’s really been getting after it and it’s fun to see that.”
When told of Nance Jr.’s comparison, Lakers head coach Luke Walton said he remained unconvinced Young can be mentioned in the same breath as those players.
“I told him he shoots like Tony Allen,” Walton cracked. “I don’t know if he defends like Tony Allen.”
All kidding aside, Walton acknowledged how vital Young had been to the team defensively (no, you read that correctly, it wasn’t a typo or a return-of-basketball-induced fever dream).
“He’s earned playing time. He’s been phenomenal throughout training camp and preseason games,” Walton said. “I think we all know he’ll score the ball, but the thing that I’ve said has been most impressive is the way he’s been defending people.”
It seems out of character for Young to suddenly kick up his defensive efforts, but good for him. Perhaps he’ll be able to change his reputation a bit.
Nick Young also received praise from young power forward Julius Randle for his contributions as a person and teammate, according to Mark Medina of the Orange County Register:
“Nick is one of the greatest guys and greatest teammates I ever had,” Lakers forward Julius Randle said. “He’s not all about himself. He cares about his teammates and cares about his friends. I’m happy to see him up and I was definitely in his corner. I think he can be great for our team.”
It’s always great to hear players rave about their teammates. Randle’s sincerity here is touching and revealing; it sounds like Young is in a really good place.
