Orlando Magic Daily
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Up-and-Coming Free Agents for the Orlando Magic

By Bill Johnson

Dec 19, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Young, Boston Celtics, Kyle Singler, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mar 16, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard James Young (13) drives the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (5) in the second half at TD Garden. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Celtics 130-109. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

James Young

James Young was a raw prospect coming out of Kentucky in 2014 at just 18 years old.  At  6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, Young was considered a shooter. But the other aspects of his game were questionable. Unfortunately for Young, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics and buried underneath all their young prospects.

The Celtics have stockpiled draft picks, so new talent comes in every year. It is hard to keep a roster spot let alone get playing time in Boston.

Young showed some promise before the season as he was able to beat out 2015 first round draft pick R.J. Hunter for the Celtics’ final roster spot.

Even though minutes were still hard to come by, Young improved his 3-point percentage to 34 percent. That is a good sign considering even after three seasons in the NBA, Young is still just 21 years-old.

No one knows how far Young has come because he has not gotten a chance to show it.  For him, it is not about money, but it is about an opportunity.  Something he has starved for in Boston. Young has played just 89 games in three seasons, including just 29 games in last year’s regular season.

The Magic could potentially give him that opportunity. It is the exact kind of player the Magic should be looking for in free agency.

With limited funds to spend in free agency and a full roster already, Orlando should be looking for bargains like they can find in players like Young, Muhammed, Johnson and Clark. These are players who are hungry for an opportunity and willing to work hard to get it.

Next: Previewing the offseason with the NBA Front Office Show

Orlando could be a team that delivers this opportunity.