Thaddeus Young was selected by the Sixers in the 2007 draft nearly two weeks ago, but had a weight lifted from his shoulders, July 10th, when details of his contract were finalized.

“It’s a relief to have a contract signed,” said Young. “But right now I’m out here playing ball… My uncle has been taking care of the details for me.”

Patience is key for Young as he continues to adjust to the NBA style of play. Through the first four summer league games, he has contributed at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 10.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

“I’ve been playing pretty well in Vegas. I’ve been getting in trying to rebound and I’ve also been trying to do a little scoring,” said Young. “I know I’m going to have to wait my time, and I am willing to wait my time, but I’m going to go out there and play hard and do what I’ve got to do to earn the minutes.”

Young joins the Sixers after one season at Georgia Tech where he averaged 14.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while connecting on (39-93 3FG, .419) shooting in 31 games played. Although he played in one of college basketball’s elite conferences, Young knows and understands the differences between college basketball and the NBA. He realizes he has some things to work on.

“I came in knowing the guys were much stronger and bigger and much more aggressive. I feel that I have to go out and play aggressively and be as strong as they are. That’s really what I’ve been doing. In college you run, run, run, and in the NBA they tell you to slow things down,” Young said.

Though he may have to wait for his playing time, for the time being Young is focused on improving his basketball skills and becoming more aggressive during summer league play.

“I would like to shoot the ball better and I feel I can be much better hitting the boards. I’ve been getting in there and getting some key rebounds, but I want to be much more aggressive,” Young said.

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