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Where most coaches ask for more from their players, Collins wanted less from Young. Heading into his fourth year, the Georgia Tech 22-year-old product was to come off the bench, play less and stay away from the 3-point arc. "Just talking to coach Collins," Young told HOOPSWORLD. "He's helping me buy into the fact that I'm not a 3-point shooter. I realize that also. I shot the three ball well two years ago, but hey, you shouldn't live and die by threes. You should always try and be aggressive, try and get to the free throw line and get higher percentage shots. That's what I've been doing—just going for the high-percentage shots." HoopsWorld

Philadelphia 76ers, Doug Collins, Thaddeus Young 

Even before Young’s standout performance in Philadelphia's 115-90 victory, coach Avery Johnson was gushing about the 22-year-old. He’s not on the level of New Jersey’s 2012 target, Dwight Howard, but he’s the type of versatile forward the Nets are missing (and thought they were getting with Travis Outlaw). “If (Young) didn’t have the type of year he’s had, I don’t think the (76ers) would be a playoff team,” Johnson said. “He’s kind of the MVP of the team.” New York Daily News

Philadelphia 76ers, Thaddeus Young 

The 76ers will likely extend an offer sheet to Young and try to match whatever else surfaces, but are in a tough spot because he plays behind Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala and their big contracts. Both Brand and Iguodala are signed through the 2012-13 season. Young was the subject of trade rumors before the February deadline seems intrigued by free agency. “In order to find out what I’m worth, it’s a must,” he said. “You have to find a team in order to get paid being a restricted free agent.” New York Daily News

Philadelphia 76ers, Thaddeus Young 

That includes winning a round in the playoffs, something they haven’t done since 2003. The Sixers will most likely face either Miami or Boston in the first round when the playoffs begin the weekend of April 16. “I’ve been in the playoffs three times in four years,” Thaddeus Young said. “But there were times last year when we felt we needed to make some changes to get our mentality back. Once we made those changes, look at us now … Now, we’re real contenders. We’ve got a real shot at doing something special.” NOTE: In case you didn’t notice, it’s pretty clear that Young was referring to former coach Eddie Jordan. Delaware News Journal

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Thaddeus Young, Eddie Jordan 

In one of the 76ers' most impressive wins of the season, Monday in Chicago, coach Doug Collins had one of his worst moments. It didn't last long, but Collins was terrified when he saw forward Thaddeus Young writhing in pain after he dove for a loose ball. "I was sick to my stomach," Collins said. And then he really started feeling bad. "It gave me visions of when I blew out my [anterior] cruciate ligament," Collins said. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Injuries, Doug Collins, Thaddeus Young 

His worst fears were not realized. Young was injured, but it was nowhere near as bad as it looked. Young strained his groin, an injury that has sidelined many an athlete. The Sixers forward returned before the end of Monday's 97-85 win over the Bulls, finishing with 21 points and seven rebounds. Instead of being hampered by the injury, Young increased his output Wednesday in a 108-97 win over the visiting Houston Rockets. He finished with 22 points and nine rebounds. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Injuries, Doug Collins, Thaddeus Young 

"(Not making a trade shows) they think we're a good team," Thaddeus Young said after Thursday's short practice. "We've proven, night in and night out, that we can play with any team. Why not keep us together?" "We like our team," said Sixers coach Doug Collins, adding that the organization didn't want to make a "sideways" move. phillyburbs.com

Philadelphia 76ers, Trade, Thaddeus Young, Marreese Speights 

Philadelphia’s small-ball unit (which is comprised of Jrue Holiday, Jodie Meeks, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, and Elton Brand) leads all N.B.A. lineups in efficiency differential, and it’s not close. (Only lineups with a minimum of 75 minutes played together were evaluated. This lineup is a whopping +40.29 points per 100 possessions better than their opponents, while the next best five-man unit (Utah’s Deron Williams, C.J. Miles, Andrei Kirilenko, Paul Milsap, and Al Jefferson) comes in at “just” a +31.88 differential. New York Times

Philadelphia 76ers, Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, Thaddeus Young 

Not all participants’ identities are disclosed; some consider the sessions a form of rehabilitation that deserve privacy. Thaddeus Young, one of several Philadelphia 76ers to take part, said by telephone that he came out of the lab an improved, though not finished, product (his 2-point shooting is up this season, his 3-point shooting is down). Young’s shot was partly retooled, with emphasis on positioning his feet. He offers an unsolicited endorsement. New York Times

Philadelphia 76ers, Mark Price, Thaddeus Young 

Aside from the concept of shooting, Speights appears to understand very little about the game. He never passes, which becomes visibly frustrating for those on the court with him; he hardly rebounds; and he doesn't provide an inside defensive presence. Next year, the Sixers must decide whether to extend a qualifying offer to Speights, a decision identical to the one made this season regarding Thaddeus Young. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Thaddeus Young, Marreese Speights 

Technically, a new chapter of Thaddeus Young's career began Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards. Young, who did not sign a contract extension with the 76ers by Monday's 5 p.m. deadline, could become a restricted free agent as of July 1, 2011. Previously secure in his contract situation with the Sixers, Young now must consider how each performance affects his situation in the future. "I know at the end of the day these guys all want playing time so they can play well," said Sixers coach Doug Collins. "And the better they play, the more money they can make. So there's a lot that's at stake for these young guys." Entering Tuesday night, Young was averaging 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 23 minutes per game. "Thad is ultrasensitive and one of my favorite guys, and I don't want him to put that pressure where Thad is out there thinking every single night, 'I want to play great so I can get a contract extension,' " Collins said. Before the game, Young called the lack of an extension "disappointing." "Hey, if they want me to prove something, then I'm willing to go out there and prove it," Young said. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Doug Collins, Thaddeus Young 

A few minutes ago, Young issued this statement about the renegotiation process, and his focus going forward. "I'm disappointed that we were not able to work out an extension," Young said in a statement. "I would love to be with the team long term, but I recognize that the uncertainty in next year's CBA has an effect on the team's approach to contract extensions. My focus now is to continue to work hard with my teammates and new coaches to help improve our team and win games. The fans deserve that." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Thaddeus Young 

The 76ers have decided against extending Thaddeus Young's rookie contract to a fifth year, making Young a restricted free agent July 1, 2011. The deadline for extensions on rookie contracts was at 5 p.m. today. Philadelphia Daily News

Philadelphia 76ers, Thaddeus Young 

That doesn't mean the Sixers aren't interested in retaining Young, the No. 12 overall pick in the NBA's 2007 draft; they hold a right of first refusal on any offer to the forward from another team in the league. "We've had conversations with Rod [Sixers president Rod Thorn], and that's where I'll leave it," said Jim Tanner, Young's agent. Young is listed at slightly more than $2.9 million on the Sixers' salary cap. To retain his rights, the Sixers must make a qualifying offer of 125 percent of that salary before July 1, 2011. Sources have indicated that Tanner, interested in a new contract for his client, has mentioned a deal worth more than $10 million. Philadelphia Daily News

Philadelphia 76ers, Thaddeus Young 

Thaddeus Young insists he's not worried about or focused upon Monday's deadline for receiving a contract extension. But after Thursday's 76ers practice, Young admitted he'd like nothing more than to be under contract beyond 2011. "I would love to be extended," Young said. "Who wouldn't? I love the city. I love the fans. I want to be here. This is the place that drafted me. I want to continue my career here. But I'm just letting my agent (Jim Tanner) take care of everything. Hopefully, it works out." phillyburbs.com

Philadelphia 76ers, Thaddeus Young