Ex-Brooklyn Net Thaddeus Young happy to be with Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers' forward Thaddeus Young (21) is defended by Brooklyn Nets' forward Trevor Booker (35) on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016. Credit: Steven Ryan
It came as a shock to Thaddeus Young when he was traded during the NBA Draft in June, but it was a happy Young who returned to Barclays Center wearing Pacers yellow for the Nets’ home opener Friday night.
Recalling the trade notice he received from general manager Sean Marks, Young said, “Like a couple hours . . . I love my new situation. This team is going in the direction I should be going in my career, which is trying to win basketball games and compete for playoff contention and championships. I think Sean did a good job of facilitating that trade and being able to get a young guy for a veteran guy who can compete on a playoff team.”
Young, who had 19 points and eight rebounds in the Pacers’ 103-94 loss to the Nets, still owns a home in Brooklyn. “Right now, it’s on the market,” he said, “so if you know anybody looking to buy . . . ”
LeVert has a fan
The player the Nets drafted with the 20th overall pick obtained from the Pacers is Michigan forward Caris LeVert, who is recovering from foot surgery but said in a radio interview on Thursday that he might be back within two weeks. Pacers swingman Glenn Robinson III visited with his former Michigan teammate and said LeVert is healing well and confident in his game.
“Brooklyn couldn’t have gotten a better pick,” Robinson said. “I’ve always compared him to a Jamal Crawford type. He’s skinny, long and he has a good handle. He’s one of my picks to be one of the best rookies this year. I think Brooklyn will really be happy with their pick. It’s scary how good he can be.”
Youngsters could get more playing time
Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said he must consider using kids Isaiah Whitehead and Chris McCullough more after they made an impact at Boston in Wednesday night’s season opener. “We need to use our whole roster,” Atkinson said. “I think Joe Maddon does that with the Cubs, right? We’re looking to get those guys in games.” Neither played against the Pacers, though.
Greg Logan has worked for Newsday since 1982 covering a wide array of sports and events, currently including the Brooklyn Nets beat.
