Yo, you ever look back at NBA history and just shake your head at how quickly things can go sideways for a player? Boston signed James Young to a three-year rookie contract back in 2014, and man, that dude’s journey in green and white was a wild one. Kid came out of Kentucky, 17th overall pick, a lot of hype, right? But the numbers don’t lie. Over his three seasons, Young averaged a measly 2.3 points and 1.1 rebounds. Talk about a tough welcome to the league.
When Patience Doesn't Pay Off
He missed Las Vegas Summer League early on due to injuries, which is a killer for a young player trying to make his mark. Primarily, he played for their D-League squad, the Maine Red Claws, trying to find his footing. Despite the front office showing some serious patience, James Young couldn't establish himself in the NBA. Three seasons in Boston and those stat lines tell the story of how brutal the professional game can be. It’s a constant reminder that even top picks can struggle to make an impact, no matter how much talent they have or how much a team invests in them.
Big Names, Big Swings, Mixed Results
Turns out, that same date in history saw some other interesting moves from Boston, too. Back in 2010, the Celtics scooped up ex-big man Jermaine O’Neal. This guy had been all over the league with the Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors before landing in Boston. The idea was to ease the load on an aging, injury-prone frontcourt, but guess what? O'Neal himself spent a bunch of games on the sidelines with minor injuries, only playing 49 games over two seasons. He put up 5.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for them. Sometimes, even veteran savvy can't beat the injury bug, you know?
And then there’s the 2014 three-team trade that brought Tyler Zeller to Boston from the Cleveland Cavaliers, along with Marcus Thornton from the Brooklyn Nets. Boston actually got Zeller for using their cap space to roster him, basically helping out the Cavs as they tried to build a championship-caliber team around LeBron James. Zeller stuck around for three seasons, averaging 7.1 points, 4 boards, and an assist per game. Funny how one team’s cap space maneuver can inadvertently help a rival build a powerhouse, huh?
A Look Back at the Hardwood Pioneers
On a more reflective note, this day also marks the birthday of Boston wing Johnny Bach, who logged 34 games for the team back in the 1948-49 season, averaging 3.5 points. He was a Fordham product picked in the second round of the BAA, which was the precursor to the NBA. Bach even went on to coach his alma mater after retiring in 1950. And finally, it’s the day we lost forward Al Brightman in 1992. This Charleston guy played 58 games in the Celtics' inaugural season, putting up 9.8 points and 1.0 assists. Like Bach, Brightman ended up coaching after his playing days, even coaching collegiately right here in the Pacific Northwest. Just a reminder of the legacies built on the hardwood, extending far beyond their playing careers.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.