Glance at Thaddeus Young and the first thing you notice is his frame.
Take a second glance at Young and you still notice his frame.
Young came into training camp with a new physique — a beefed-up (yet cut) 235-pound forward.
Keep in mind that he ended last season at 212 pounds.
Did the Sixers just lose a small forward and gain a power forward?
“Nah, I don’t think it’s that crazy,” Young said with a laugh. “I just spent the offseason bulking up and getting stronger. Plus, I didn’t lose any of my quickness. I think it’s really going to help me in the long run. I’m in the best shape of my life.”
At just 24 years old, Young is the longest-tenured member of the Sixers. He was a vital part of the playoff run last season and he wants to make it an annual occurrence.
“It feels kind of weird to be here saying I’ve been with the team the longest,” Young said. “Things have a way of turning in pro sports. I’m experienced here with this club and I think that helps. I know what to expect. I trust the coaches and they trust me. I think we’re set up to have a great season.”
Young is most effective when he’s slashing to the basket. But he spent much of the summer working on his outside game. Last season, Young attempted a total of four 3-pointers. No, he doesn’t anticipate becoming a 3-point marksman but it would be beneficial to add that to his repertoire.
“I took a lot of shots from the perimeter in the summer,” Young said. “I had games where I was very consistent. I think it can open up the lane for me if the defense knows I can knock them down.”
