Nick Young is arguably the most popular member of the Los Angeles Lakers after Kobe Bryant. However, he also has the reputation as an offensive gunner incapable of playing defense, which doesn’t sit well for a defensive minded coach in Byron Scott.
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Before the team took on the Milwaukee Bucks, Scott spoke about Young being more than a one trick pony according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
Byron calling on Nick Young not to be a "one trick pony." If not, can Young fit in Byron's system? Byron: "I don't know."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 5, 2015
Scott was also unsure if Young could remain with the Lakers without developing the rest of his game according to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register:
Byron Scott wants Nick Young to be an all-around player. “It’s not just offense.” Can he remain here if he doesn’t? “I don’t know.”
— Bill Oram (@billoram) February 4, 2015
Young’s biggest strength is obviously his scoring ability. He can get hot in the blink of an eye and has taken over games at times. His game-winning shot against the San Antonio Spurs is one of the Lakers’ biggest highlights this season.
However, his all-around game has shown itself more this season. While he will never be considered a defensive stopper, Young has been more engaged on that end and is one of the better Lakers at getting through screens. He has also been more consistent rebounding the ball and even dished out three assists in a recent game.
Scott has not been shy about calling out his players and Young has been one of the subjects of his criticism on a couple of occasions. This is likely because Young has so much potential to do more than just score the ball and Scott wants to bring that out of him. Young becoming a complete player will help the Lakers in the present and the future.
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