Report: Pelicans sign undrafted rookie Patric Young to 2-year deal
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It was a little surprising when Florida center Patric Young went undrafted in June. It's not at all surprising, then, that he's quickly found a home as an undrafted free agent.
Following five impressive games with the New Orleans Pelicans at Las Vegas Summer League, during which he averaged 7.4 points, eight rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 25.2 minutes, the Pellies have locked Young down, as the player himself confirmed on Sunday.
It's a blessing to announce that I signed a contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. Thank you to everyone that supported me!!!
— Patric Young (@BigPatYoung4) July 19, 2014
Terms of the deal were not disclosed but the contract is said to be for two seasons. Comparable signings in the past would suggest that the deal is likely for the $507,336 rookie minimum in year one and is probably not fully guaranteed over the two years
Young is a consummate "little things" player, someone willing to defend, rebound, and fight for tough buckets and loose balls. At 6-foot-10, he may be a bit undersized at the pivot, but his athleticism and effort make up for that deficiency. As such, he projects as a solid defender and an efficient, albeit low-usage, interior piece.
He'll slide in behind Omer Asik, Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson in the frontcourt rotation, likely battling with Jeff Withey and Alexis Ajinca for backup center minutes.