After going undrafted in last week’s NBA Draft former Maryland star guard Jahmir Young is headed to the Mile High to continue his basketball career. Young signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Denver Nuggets with hopes of using this year’s Summer League to showcase what he can bring to the organization.
Young received a one-year, minimum contract with the Exhibit 10 deal. He will compete for an opportunity to earn a two-way deal. The Nuggets will have until the start of the regular season to choose to convert Young or potentially waive him.
Last season, Young was third in the Big Ten Conference in scoring with 20.4 points per game. He shot 40.4% from the field, including 32.4% from three. He also shot an eye-popping 90% from the free-throw line.
Young was viewed as an “adaptable, well-rounded guard,” according to Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress. He impressed at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. At 6-foot-1, Young must showcase efficient shooting and the ability to control the pace from the point guard position in Vegas to impress the Nuggets or any other NBA team.
The Nuggets are in desperate need of guard depth behind star Jamal Murray. Denver traded Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets. Then, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent. Denver is reportedly seeking to land Russell Westbrook.
Ideally Young’s potential role mirrors what the current expectations of future Hall-of-Famer Westbrook at this stage in his career. Young is a volume shooter, averaging 10 shots per game. He’ll have to take advantage of a possible green light during Summer League action. He must shoot better from the field than the 38.8% he shot in Big Ten play last season.
Jahmir Young has excelled at every stop of his career
With that said, Young has been successful at every stage of his playing career. He starred at the famed DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD. He played alongside Hunter Dickinson, Justin Moore, and Tyrell Ward. As a senior, Young led the Stags to a 31-5 record and the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship.
Young was a three-star recruit, committing to Charlotte. He got named Conference USA Freshman of the Year in 2020. He earned All-Conference USA first team in the next two seasons.
After three seasons with the 49ers, Young transferred to his hometown Maryland Terrapins. His presence boosted the program along with the hiring of head coach Kevin Williard.
Young led the Terps to a Round of 32 appearance in the NCAA Tournament in his first season. He came back as a fifth-year senior. While Maryland failed to secure an NCAA appearance, Young had his best individual season. He was named All-Big Ten Conference first team.
Jahmir Young finished his collegiate career with 2,626 points, 501 assists, and 775 rebounds.
