Is James Young ready for a larger role with the Celtics next season?

James Young came into the NBA with a typical “me against the world” teenage mindset. Time in the D-League to develop? Why would he do that when he was just selected 17th overall in the draft by the storied Boston Celtics?

“Definitely not,” said Young at Boston’s media day when asked if he planned on playing in the D-League. “If it happens, it happens, but I just want to stay here and get better like that.”

You remember being 19-years-old, right? Sometimes you say things and quickly realize that you shouldn’t have. Young, in fact, ended up playing in the D-League this season. Not only that, he appeared in a total of 17 games with the Maine Red Claws and averaged 21.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, while shooting 44 percent from 3-point land. The team went 13-4 during Young’s assignments and even if he doesn’t realize it yet, his rookie season was a major success.

“It’s better than not playing, for sure,” said Danny Ainge on Young’s time in Maine. “He’s getting good minutes down there and he’s been productive with his whole D-League experience. He’s been productive in the winningest team in the D-League and those are both very positive experiences.”

Young missed Summer League last season after dealing with injuries sustained from a minor car accident. He then missed training camp with the Celtics due to a strained hamstring, so he started the season behind the eight ball, so to speak.

The teenage rookie started strong, however, posting 21 points and five rebounds in his D-League debut. It was clear from day one that the primary objective for Young was to be the team’s primary scoring option, and he fit that role perfectly.

Young has always been a prolific shooter, with the bulk of his field goal attempts coming from behind the arc. He has a smooth lefty stroke and his mechanics are very polished for a 19-year-old. He has all of the makings of an elite outside shooter for years to come, but the other parts of his game need to expand if he hopes of making it at the next level.

While his shooting was impressive during his time in Maine, Young’s finishing around the rim left something to be desired. He went 17-for-32 (53 percent) on layups during his 17 games in the D-League, which is concerning on two levels:

1. He was not as aggressive as he should be — that’s less than two layup attempts per game.
2. When he did decide to attack, it simply wasn’t very efficient.

Before you call me critical, consider that Young shot better from both 3-point corners (left: 58 percent; right: 59 percent) than he did on layups. Unless you’re Kyle Korver, that’s not a recipe for success.

Lost in that last critical comment was that Young shot almost 60 percent from the corners during his time in Maine — 60! Combine that with his 41 percent rate from above the break and the Celtics have themselves a bona fide 3-point threat.

Why is that important moving forward?

The Celtics ranked 27th this season in 3-point percentage at a measly 32.7 success rate. While their percentage wasn’t great, it’s clear that Brad Stevens values the 3-point shot as Boston ranked 13th in both 3-pointers made and attempted.

There is a definite need for a knockdown shooter in the Celtics rotation. Isaiah Thomas (129) and Avery Bradley (124) led the team in 3-pointers made this season, both of whom are point guards. If Young can pick up Stevens’ offensive and defensive schemes, he could step into the rotation and provide a real punch for a team that sorely needs what he can provide on the offensive end.

Young turns 20 this offseason and Ainge has big expectations for him going into next season. “We’re confident in James,” said Ainge. “His work ethic has gotten better and he’s understanding of what it takes and I think James wants to play. We have expectations that James will be a contributor next year.”

A lot of players think they have what it takes and while that’s half the battle, the proof comes when opportunity arises. It certainly appears Young will have his opportunity to shine, but what he does with that chance is vital.