WashingtonWizards.com caught up with Nick Young at the Wizards practice facility playing pickup games with several other Wizards. Last season as a rookie Young averaged 7.5 points per game.

You were in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. What was that experience like?
Nick Young: "It was great. It was a different experience. I got the chance to eat some different kinds of food and it was a chance to see how people live on the other side of the world."

What have you been working on since we last saw you at Summer League?
NY: "I'm just trying to redeem myself for Summer League and I'm starting to get my confidence back for training camp."

How have these summer pickup games helped you prepare for the upcoming season?
NY: "I'm just trying to play against the best to get ready for the season. The veterans weren't here for Summer League workouts but it's great to have them back and to give you more confidence heading into the season."

You played with both JaVale McGee and Dee Brown in the Summer League and now in these pickup games, what can you tell us about their games?
NY: "They are both very fast and have a lot of athleticism. JaVale can jump really high. He can give me a challenge on jumping and dunking. Dee Brown is very quick, he sees the floor well and that's something we need."

How excited are you about not having to deal with the "rookie treatment" from the veterans this year?
NY: "I'm excited, now I get a chance to show the rookie around. It is nice because I'm kind of a veteran now and I'm looking forward to seeing that rookie experience from the other side."