Atlanta’s prized first-round draft pick couldn’t get his usual pregame nap in. He couldn’t eat due to a healthy case of the nerves. And when a basketball player has his rhythm diverted, on or off the floor, negative results normally occur.
This isn’t an excuse for Young’s 4-of-20 shooting performance in Monday’s Utah Jazz summer league debut. Rather, it’s a look into a day in the basketball life of a franchise savior. When the Hawks acquired Young, the quicksilver point guard from Oklahoma, on draft night, miracles were expected instantly.
“I’m not worried, because it’s just one game,” Young said.