LeBron James imparts wisdom upon Oklahoma freshman Trae Young

DJ Dunson


Prior to the tip-off of the 2017-18 college basketball season, Trae Young wasn’t even a glint in the eye of NBA scouts. His otherworldly performances over the past four months for the Oklahoma Sooners have gradually propelled him into the top five prospects.

Young is currently leading the nation in points, assists, and has proven himself to be one of the most proficient off-the dribble shooters to storm through the college ranks since Stephen Curry was plying his trade at Davidson. There was a time when LeBron James was Steph Curry’s biggest NBA supporter.

Before the Cleveland Cavaliers’ matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, James was asked to weigh in on Young’s decision after the season to declare for the NBA Draft or return for his sophomore campaign. James, who has experience with big decisions and with bypassing college, bristled at the suggestion that Young would delay the launch of his professional career, per Sam Gannon of KOKH Fox 25 in Oklahoma City.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James hangs from the basket after dunking in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Abrines during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James hangs from the basket after dunking in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Abrines during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

It doesn’t take a Rhodes Scholar to enumerate the multitude of reasons Young should strike while the iron is hot. There’s nothing left for him to gain dominating inferior competition in college. Young only has a 6-2 wingspan and will face a steep curve adjusting to the size and the speed of the NBA. He should be spending his time building muscle on his slight frame rather than going through the motions in undergrad courses. But, just in case that wasn’t enough, James elaborated on another incentive to turning pro. In James’ opinion, those challenges pale in comparison to the major off-court change he’ll experience.

“How much money he gonna spend monthly, how much he gonna save. That’s the only adjustment he gotta worry about.”

James may also have a bit of an ulterior motive for pushing Young into the draft. The Cavaliers currently own the Brooklyn Nets’ unprotected first round and although there are a slew of franchise cornerstones at the top of this draft, the Cavaliers suddenly find themselves in need of a point guard.

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DJ Dunson is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at dunsnchecksin@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or Facebook.