Y13 [EN]: Chapter 34

Y13-34 Summer League

July 3, 2010.

Las Vegas.

Twenty-two teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, converged in Las Vegas for their summer league camps. It was a true spectacle, a stage for intense competition. The Summer League is similar to spring training in Major League Baseball.

In the sweltering July heat, Las Vegas was a vibrant hub. However, the NBA Summer League camp in Las Vegas possessed a different atmosphere than the city’s glamorous facade. A palpable tension filled the air.

“Hoo.”

Youngjae arrived at the Dallas Mavericks camp in Las Vegas and began unpacking. He understood the competitive nature of what he was entering, and he wasn’t about to let his guard down. Despite being a first-round draft pick, a poor performance in the Summer League could limit his playing time.

While settling into his accommodation, Youngjae browsed the internet on his smartphone. He noticed an article about himself and clicked on it, curiosity piqued.

{Rookie Contract Complete, The Beginning of Y13}

The completion of Yoon Youngjae’s contract, the first Korean drafted in the first round, has garnered significant attention. Yoon Youngjae officially signed his rookie scale contract with the Dallas Mavericks on July 6, 2010.

While contracts are typically signed before the introductory press conference, Yoon Youngjae’s signing was delayed until July 6. In response, Yoon Youngjae’s agent, Bill Duffy, addressed the delay, stating, ‘The reason for the delay was to reach the best possible agreement that would satisfy both parties.’

– Yoon Youngjae’s Contract Structure (1st Round, 25th Pick)

Season 1: $1.11 million
Season 2: $1.20 million (8% increase)
Season 3: $2.04 million (70% increase) – Team Option
Season 4: $2.96 million (45% increase) – Team Option

The total contract is valued at $7.31 million (approximately ₩8 billion [South Korean Won]) over four years. First-round rookies are subject to strict contract restrictions known as the rookie scale, similar to the service time limitations in Major League Baseball (MLB) that prevent salary arbitration for the first three years.

Under the rookie scale contract, the salary differences are minimal, and the third and fourth years include team options. A team option grants the team the right to decide whether to guarantee or terminate the contract for that season. This decision must be made before October 31 of the preceding season. For example, the decision to exercise the third-year option must be made before October 31 of the second year.

The salary increase rate for the third and fourth years varies based on the draft order. Lower draft picks receive larger increases, which can be seen as a small reward for the lower salaries in the first and second seasons. For instance, the 1st overall pick receives a 26.4% increase in the third year and a 30% increase in the fourth year, while the 30th pick can receive a maximum increase of 80% in the third year and 50% in the fourth year. The NBA rarely includes performance incentives in salaries unless they are easily attainable.

The maximum second-year salary increase of 8% was fully applied, and the maximum salary increase rates for the third and fourth years were also included in the contract. This demonstrates the Dallas Mavericks’ high expectations for him. It reflects the club’s desire to build a positive relationship with the player rather than saving a small amount of money, allowing the player to be financially secure and fully focused on improving his skills.

(Omitted)

Youngjae chuckled as he read the reporter’s account, recalling the contract negotiations. He had tried to mask his emotions in the presence of Bill Duffy, Mark Cuban, Donnie Nelson, and Rick Carlisle, but the tense atmosphere and war of nerves between the four had made it difficult.

“If it weren’t for Duffy…”

He scanned other articles, finding similar content. There were also a significant number of comments. The sheer volume of articles indicated the level of interest in him, which boosted his confidence. Ultimately, his future evaluations would depend on his performance.

He put his smartphone in his pocket and headed to the training center, a short distance away.

On the first day, he greeted the Mavericks’ coaching staff. Assistant coaches Dwane Casey and Terry Stotts warmly welcomed the players, leading a combination of team and individual training sessions to assess each player’s abilities and facilitate adaptation. The number of coaches and trainers far exceeded what he was used to in the NCAA.

Dallas Mavericks Summer League Roster

Jersey number Name Position Height
3 Rodrigue Beaubois G 6-2
5 J.R Giddens G 6-5
30 Shane Foster G 6-6
35 Mouhammad Faye F 6-9
13 Yoon Youngjae G 6-5
7 Jeremy Lin G 6-4
34 Omar Samhan F 6-10
44 Moussa Seck C 7-4
10 DeShawn Sims F 6-8
9 Amara Sy F 6-8
42 Eric Tramiel F 6-7
33 Darryl Watkins C 6-11
1 Josh Mayo G 6-0

‘Oh…’

Youngjae was surprised. The two assistant coaches, who worked alongside head strategist Rick Carlisle, were future head coaching prospects for the Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors.

Terry Stotts, in collaboration with Rick Carlisle, developed the Mavericks’ unique offensive system, which emphasized quick passing transitions and empowering all shooters to take shots quickly. This strategy aimed to compensate for Dallas’s struggles in half-court offense (when all five players move across the court to attack) due to a lack of strong slashers [players who aggressively drive to the basket]. This approach was made possible by Jason Kidd, who possessed exceptional court vision and passing accuracy. However, it also highlighted the limited offensive capabilities of the current guard lineup.

Rick Carlisle initially favored highly structured team tactics in offense, similar to coach Gregg Popovich, but with Jason Kidd as the team’s premier playmaker, he delegated a degree of offensive development to him.

Dwane Casey specialized in assembling players with average individual defensive skills into a cohesive defensive rotation system. Alongside Rick Carlisle, he helped elevate the Mavericks’ defense to above-average status through various defensive schemes, ranging from man-to-man to rotation defense, tailored to the opponent’s offensive style.

Youngjae, having played for the San Antonio Spurs, was accustomed to Gregg Popovich’s ‘thorough system basketball.’ Except for Ginobili, the Spurs players adhered strictly to their assigned roles and team tactics. Experiencing the Mavericks’ training, which blended system and autonomy, felt refreshing.

Although the training was light, Youngjae focused intently on every dribble and every instruction, eager to absorb the training methods.

“The Mavericks’ offense relies on transition offense. We prioritize quick offensive and defensive transitions and fast breaks (early offense), avoiding half-court sets. However, the extent to which the players embrace this training will determine whether the Mavericks can develop new offensive avenues.”

Standing next to Youngjae were guards Rodrigue Beaubois, J.R Giddens, Josh Mayo, and Jeremy Lin, a fellow Asian guard who would later spark ‘Linsanity’ [a period of unexpected success and popularity for Jeremy Lin in the NBA]. He was the same player who would shock the 30 NBA teams with his performance, rivaling that of John Wall, in the Summer League.

“To unlock diverse offensive options this season, the Mavericks will provide extensive support to the guards invited to the Summer League, focusing on penetration drills and the shooting skills that the Mavericks require. Now, let’s begin training.”

The first drill was 1-on-1. The guards were paired up, with one playing offense and the other defense. The offensive player’s goal was to drive to the basket and score, while the defensive player’s goal was to prevent them from doing so.

The first pairing was Jeremy Lin and J.R Giddens. Jeremy Lin displayed solid defensive skills, effectively using his size (6-4 or 193cm) to disrupt J.R Giddens’ flashy dribble penetration. However, his offensive game suffered from hesitation and passivity when challenged. He possessed a high basketball IQ (BQ) and decent physicality, but his skills needed refinement.

When Youngjae was called up in the second group, he swallowed hard as he watched Rodrigue Beaubois approach. This was a golden opportunity to face a real NBA player for the first time, a level of competition far beyond the NCAA. He had faced NBA veterans from the Texas Legends [a D-League team affiliated with the Mavericks], but those were tryouts, and those players weren’t in peak condition. His opponent was a second-year player who had shown flashes of brilliance as a bench player. Moreover, he would have been preparing specifically for the Summer League.

“Hoo.”

Youngjae took his defensive stance and focused on Beaubois. He had never faced Beaubois in the NBA, so he was unfamiliar with his playing style. However, he concentrated on defense, remembering that Beaubois primarily relied on explosive penetration, according to the scouting report Bill Duffy had provided. He was a skilled shooter with a 50/40/80 record [shooting percentages of 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 80% from the free-throw line], but he also had unwavering confidence in his abilities.

Bounce- bounce-!

Beaubois, with his unique black elasticity, incredible flexibility, and speed, smirked and attempted to blow past Youngjae.

Thud-

“……”

Youngjae’s left hand flashed out. Beaubois was speechless as he felt a chill and his hand came up empty as he passed Youngjae.

“One more time?”

While Youngjae valued team chemistry, he wasn’t about to let a competitor disrespect him.

Beaubois was taken aback by the sharp pass Youngjae delivered. When passing the ball with an underhand motion, it usually travels in a high arc and slows down. However, Youngjae’s pass was direct and fast, landing squarely in Beaubois’s palm.

“Okay.”

Beaubois could no longer dismiss Youngjae after the steal and pass. Youngjae possessed exceptional reaction time and dynamic visual acuity, honed since his NCAA days, and he consistently led the nation in steals. He couldn’t be beaten by sheer speed alone.

Bounce bounce!

This time, Beaubois incorporated a hesitation dribble, shifting his weight to disrupt Youngjae’s focus. Then, he suddenly accelerated and drove relentlessly toward the basket.

Bang!

Beeeep-!!

“Offensive foul!”

However, Youngjae anticipated Beaubois’s move. Since his regression, Youngjae had developed a keen sense for clever defense, including quicker hands and improved lateral movement. Moreover, his experience allowed him to anticipate Beaubois’s direction, establish position, brace for contact, and fall backward.

“……”

Beaubois, caught off guard by Youngjae’s intelligent and cunning defense, stood there dumbfounded, as did coach Terry Stotts. This wasn’t the play of a rookie who had only spent one year in college before entering the draft, but the savvy defense of a veteran who had endured the grind of the NBA, defending with a seasoned and, in some ways, irritating style.

============================ Author’s Notes ============================

★Thank you to those who gave advance picks, recommendations, comments, and coupons!!

@There was a slight error in communication. Those who were disappointed that he was picked in the first round in the previous episode were disappointed that he was not picked in the upper part of the second round due to salary issues. They were not disappointed that he was picked in a low rank.

@We have midterms next week. Since it is the beginning of the serialization, we are trying not to take a break, so it will be difficult to post multiple chapters for the time being.

Wooyoodongja-nim/// Yes. The Korean Association is a large organization. One of the reasons why Texas recruited Park Chan-ho and Choo Shin-soo is because of the large influence of Koreans.

pen36-nim/// Thank you. It’s rewarding to do research.

incrudu-nim///I’m sorry. Multiple chapters ㅠ.ㅠ

Cheonsinuihon-nim/// You noticed!!!

Helic-nim/// I’m sorry. I think it might look like that because I think I should have coherence and put in what needs to be put in.

Kkangssielliseu-nim, dydqlsl-nim/// As you said, it’s amazing. Tony Parker is a representative lower pick in the first round (28th pick).

Joa!-nim, AdYang-nim, Dopikan-nim, Kundara-nim, Konsilieri-nim///Thank you! I will continue to work hard to meet your expectations.

Pureunnal-nim/// I’m glad it’s appropriate.

Kyutidong-nim/// Ah, Ro Dae-hyeop… He is the most disappointing guard of the 2000s. Of course, if Roy had been there, he wouldn’t have been able to pick Lillard… Roy is so unfortunate.

dio2n-nim, Pyurota-nim/// Thank you for the coupon!!

Bangtoe-nim///Haha… Save me….It’s still tough.

Lapire and Jinteu-nim///We… have an exam.ㅠ.

zigichacha-nim/// Thank you for binge-watching during the exam period. Oklahoma… the situation is not good for Youngjae to go. The guard lineup is too strong.

Hwanin-nim, Gangjail-nim/// You were not disappointed because of the low rank, but you were disappointed in other parts^^There was a little misunderstanding in the delivery.

Nakwolhee-nim, Dangun Joseon-nim, -DarkANGEL-nim/// Thank you!!

黑馬-nim/// I will go steadily and diligently without discontinuing.

myus1004-nim/// Thank you for the coupon!!

Gogireulmeokja-nim///I have collected some Summer League data and found some highlights. I’m going to try writing it with reference to the highlights and reviews.

JJJJJJJl-nim///Thank you for pointing out the error.