Howard Smith – USA Today Sports Images
The Philadelphia 76ers’ 2012-2013 NBA season is likely going to be remembered for its misfortunes. People are most likely going to recall the unmet expectations of this team and will, of course, remember the debacle of dealing with Andrew Bynum and his injury. Some might remember Jrue Holiday’s first elite full season, but it’s going to be the disappointments that dominate thoughts about this season.
However, one storyline that might go overlooked was the improvement of Thaddeus Young this season. The 24-year-old has been with the Sixers for the past six seasons and has averaged over 20 minutes per game over those seasons. This was his first full season as a starter, though, starting all 76 games that he appeared in for Philaelphia.
In 34.6 minutes per game, Young averaged 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He also was efficient on the offensive end, shooting 53.1 percent from the field. Though he showed improvements himself, his solid efficiency was likely due to the fact that Holiday was such an explosive and dangerous player this season.
The most noticeable improvement that Young made this year was on the boards, though. His 7.5 rebounds per game were a career high, but that doesn’t even tell the whole story. Young had the highest rebound rate of his career, grabbing 12.3 percent of missed shots when he was on the floor.
Young probably isn’t going to develop into a player that can dominate or take over games on a consistent basis. However, he is a guy that can be a solid and consistent complimentary player to Holiday as the Sixers go forward. He’s improved almost every season that he’s been in the league. With him still being so youthful, it seems logical to expect more of the same.
Cody Williams is a Senior NBA Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.
