James Young selected by Celtics with No. 17 pick in NBA draft

The Celtics selected James Young with the No. 17 pick in the NBA draft on Thursday. Here’s a look at Young and how he fits with Boston:

Bio: Kentucky | Freshman | Shooting guard

Vitals: 6-7, 213 pounds

2013-14 stats: 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 40.7 FG%, 34.9 3FG%

Strengths: A gifted scorer with ideal size for his position, Young measured a 7-foot wingspan at the draft combine and possesses wiry strength that helps him create space for his jumper. The lefty relies heavily on his perimeter shot, with a pretty release and good range. Young didn’t fully display his prowess at Kentucky: He shot only 34.9 percent from deep, a low number he'll be able to improve when playing with better playmakers who can manufacture open looks for him. Young has the ability to be a prolific perimeter threat with the correct development. He won’t turn 19 until August and has one of the bigger upsides from the draft’s second tier of prospects.

2014 NBA draft: Shooting guard rankings

Weaknesses: Young relies on his jump shot too much in lieu of attacking the rim. Becoming a better and more consistent off-the-dribble threat will help round out his offensive game. Young wasn’t a particularly active defender last season and those fundamentals have to improve.

Golliver: https://www.si.com/omer-asik-trade-rockets-pelicans

Team Fit: Boston's roster isn't in the kind of form that would make fit a priority. With that, Young is a great choice because of his flexibility. In time he'll come to be a good two-way player with the length to defend both wing positions. More immediately, Young offers the Celtics a nice complementary skill set with his ability to sink open jumpers and attack a rotating defense off the dribble. Boston already picked up a potential star in No. 6 pick Marcus Smart, but in Young it added a safe supporting part with plenty of room to grow.