Nick Young hoped to land with Rockets, play for Mike D'Antoni again
Bruno Manrique
Nick Young's career took an upward swing last season, finishing out the most modest role of his 11-year venture in the league with a championship. Now a free agent, the former Golden State Warriors swingman was hopeful of a reunion with former coach Mike D'Antoni, who coached him during his time with his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.
"He's one of the best coaches I played with," Young told Adam Caparell of Complex Magazine.
"I just have to find that exact spot. That's more key than anything for me than just rushing out there. It's my 11th year. But I'm not used to it. I'm used to signing early. My agent's telling me to relax and to be more patient."
While Young and others like Jamal Crawford were snatched relatively early in free agency last season, both scorers now are still waiting for a feasible offer after teams spent a mind-blowing amount in the first few days of free agency.
The Rockets' tight budget and lack of roster space would make Young's acquisition rather difficult after signing Carmelo Anthony to a veteran's minimum deal and doling out large deals to Chris Paul and Clint Capela. Furthermore, a similar player in Gerald Green is already on the roster, while rookie guard De'Anthony Melton still needs a deal.
Young and D'Antoni saw eye-to-eye due to both sharing a shot-happy view of the game, heavy on 3-point attempts and fast-paced offense.
As a natural scorer, Young likely loved playing for the 67-year-old offensive mastermind during his stint in L.A. — though it's likely that a reunion will have to wait.
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