Phoenix — The signing of forward Thaddeus Young was formally announced by the Phoenix Suns.
Suns general manager and head of basketball operations James Jones said in a statement, “Thad is a highly respected veteran player who makes us a better team in our pursuit of winning an NBA championship.”
“Thad plays with fierce competitiveness and is incredibly smart. His stature and defensive prowess provide our team with more versatility.
Further information from the press release:
After LeBron James and Chris Paul in terms of games played (1,162), Young (6’8”, 225 pounds) is third among active NBA players. In terms of career thefts (1,607, James, Paul, and Russell Westbrook), Young is fourth among active players. Young is one of just 36 players in NBA history to have at least 1,600 career steals. He also ranks eighth among active players with 2,279 career offensive rebounds. Young won the 2020–21 NBA Hustle Award, which recognizes the player who puts out the passion and effort necessary to help his team win.
Young, who is in his 17th year in the NBA, averaged 5.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 62.1% shooting in 15.2 minutes per game across his 23 games played this season with the Raptors. In 1,162 games played with Philadelphia, Minnesota, Brooklyn, Indiana, Chicago, San Antonio, and Toronto, the 35-year-old has averaged 12.2 points on 50.3% shooting, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over his career. Averaging 9.5 points on 46.8% shooting, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in his 57 career playoff games (33 starts), Young has also made nine postseason appearances. Born in Philadelphia, Young spent his first seven NBA seasons as an All-Rookie Second Team member before being selected by the 76ers as the 12th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reports that he will be available for Thursday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.
