During Tuesday morning’s shootaround in Oklahoma City, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James was asked to comment on Trae Young’s upcoming decision.
Young, a 19-year old point guard who plays for the Oklahoma Sooners, is one of the best basketball players in not just the Big 12 Conference, but the entire NCAA. In his 24 games played for OU this season, the crafty ball-handler has racked up averages of 29.5 points on 44.3 percent shooting from the field (38.5 percent from beyond the arc), 9.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds — all while knocking down 84.3 percent of his free throws.
Many are raving about how Young draws comparisons to Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. Like the latter, Young is very much comfortable in taking threes from the parking lot just as he is with regular jumpers. His craftiness is also at an elite level in the college ranks, being able to dish out difficult passes and score off the dribble at will. All these skills are already translatable to the NBA level, making it easy to agree with James’ assessment.
Interestingly enough, James also had a similar fondness for Curry’s game back when was burning nets for Davidson in college.
“A local guy here in Trae Young is going to have to make the decision to go pro or (stay in school),” a reporter said to James.
“What decision?,” James interrupted. “That ain’t no decision. That’s like saying, ‘Am I waking up this morning?’ That ain’t no decision. (It’s like) brushing my teeth — that ain’t no decision. He better go pro.”
“What’s he facing then to make that jump?,” the reporter asked. “What’s the biggest adjustment he’ll have to make?”
“How much money he’s going to spend monthly and how much he’s going to save,” James replied with a smile. “Thay’s the only adjustment he’s gotta worry about.”
If Young chooses to enter this year’s Draft, he’ll likely be among the first players chosen, according to most accounts. In fact, most experts and analysts are projecting him to be a top-ten pick.
James and the new-look Cavs, winners of three consecutive games, will be back in action on Tuesday night, as they’re scheduled to face the Oklahoma City Thunder inside Chesapeake Energy Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST with TNT having live broadcast coverage.
