2014 NBA Draft Rumors: James Young drawing interest from Hornets, 76ers Nuggets, Magic, Timberwolves & Suns
The Kentucky Wildcats suffered through a slightly disappointing regular season after once again signing the top recruiting class in the country. The Wildcats, of course, rebounded in the NCAA Tournament, taking down the undefeated Wichita State Shockers and the defending National Champion Louisville Cardinals before losing to the Connecticut Huskies in the NCAA Championship Game.
More from Charlotte Hornets
- Who is James Nnaji, and what can he become for the Charlotte Hornets?
- Should the Hornets be worried about Brandon Miller’s Summer League woes?
- P.J. Washington has named his price: Is he worth it?
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
- NBA Free Agency Live Deal Tracker: Grading every signing made worst to best
During that run, more and more pundits began to notice the play of swingman James Young. Young scored 17 points in the Wildcats’ semifinal comeback win over the Wisconsin Badgers, then put up 20 points in the championship as the Wildcats nearly rallied for another win.
Now that the NBA’s Scouting Combine is over and the 2014 NBA Lottery has taken place, plenty of teams are after Young. According to Chad Ford, ESPN’s NBA Draft Insider, the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns, are all very interested in Young.
Theose teams all make sense, with each of them picking between nine (Hornets) and 14 (Suns). The Magic, who hold the 12th-overall pick (and the fourth-overall pick) have probably been mentioned with Young the most as of late. Of course, with teams like the Magic and 76ers, who own the third and 10th picks, who they pick earlier will obviously have an impact.
Young averaged 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last season.