Why Thaddeus Young Should Come Off the Bench
Brooklyn Nets coach Lionel Hollins is known for his untraditional coaching strategy. Earlier this year, he elected to start Mason Plumlee over center Brook Lopez because he was a better “fit for the system.” Hollins has always believed that the best players don’t necessarily start; the players who fit the system best, start the game. It it one of the reasons why Brook Lopez is still coming off the bench with the second unit, despite putting up phenomenal numbers.
I believe the same could be said about the Nets’ newest addition, Thaddeus Young. So far, Young has played very well off the bench for the Nets, averaging 12.7 points and 4.4 rebounds, while shooting an amazing 57 % from the field and 68% from long -range. In this small sample size, Young has shown that he can contribute in a consistent and efficient manner.
Although the addition of Young in the starting line-up would be a clear upgrade, bringing him of the bench gives him an advantage over other team’s second units. His high basketball IQ and athleticism brings energy to the Nets whenever he checks in. If a starter gets injured during a game or is in foul trouble, Young could easily fill in the void with his versatile play.
One of Brooklyn’s biggest problems this season was their inconsistent play from the bench. Young and Lopez now give the Nets one of the strongest benches in the NBA.
What readers said at the time
4 replies came in under this piece in 2015, and they are kept here as they were written — the readers’ words, not ours, spelling and all. The thread is closed; the desk does not take new comments.
jerry255 March 2015
The reason I disagree is Thaddeus may have the most energy of any of the better Nets players, and is only 26 years old. He should be playing the most minutes of any Net, and the only way to get that playing time, is by starting. He can play both with the starters and the bench, unless he asks to come out of the game. 40 minutes per game? Why not. He can play some of the minutes at SF and give Mason and Jefferson some time with a Big lineup.
However, I’m OK with Lopez coming off the bench, because:
1: He can sometimes get a swollen head, and start chucking up too many shots
2. He’s been finishing games better, by not being as tired come the 4th quarter
3. He shouldn’t be playing more than 30 mpg anyway, because of his history of injury.
4. Mason needs the confidence that comes from starting games.Tej Shah5 March 2015
You bring some valid points as Young has been playing well in the low minutes and he can play as a starter but the Nets need some firepower coming off the bench such as Young and Lopez. I agree Lopez should get less minutes because Plumlee needs to play more.
Joshua Rudin8 March 2015
To be quite honest, Thaddeus Young will never be a franchise player. Franchise players are the guys who play like 35+ minutes per game. He will never be one of them. He is a player the Nets have needed since the disappointment of Gerald Wallace. In fact, he is a major upgrade to Wallace because he could score the ball and is less injury prone.
jonathan21 March 2015
young is the best thing that happened to the nets this season energy wise.