Despite an eye-catching and memorable Summer League performance that included a league-high 37-point explosion against the Milwaukee Bucks, Jahmir Young was surprisingly waived by the Chicago Bulls. This decision, at first glance, strikes many fans and analysts as puzzling and even disappointing given the promise he showed on the court. However, when examined more closely, the move sheds light on the often complicated, multifaceted decision-making processes NBA teams undergo, reflecting a delicate balance between potential, fit, roster construction, and long-term planning.
Jahmir Young entered the Summer League spotlight as a relatively under-the-radar prospect. Although he had garnered some attention during his college career, he wasn’t widely regarded as an immediate NBA contributor. Summer League, however, gave him the chance to showcase his skills on a bigger stage, and he grabbed that opportunity emphatically. The highlight was undoubtedly his dazzling 37-point performance against the Bucks, a game where he displayed scoring versatility, an ability to create his own shot, and a fearless attitude that many young players struggle to maintain at this level. It wasn’t just the raw scoring output; Young demonstrated a poise and maturity in his game that belied his inexperience. Observers noted his quick decision-making, solid ball handling, and willingness to attack the basket, all qualities that suggested he could carve out a role in the NBA.
Young’s Summer League stats overall were impressive. He showed efficiency from the field, a respectable three-point shooting percentage, and solid free throw shooting — important markers for guards in today’s NBA where spacing and shooting are critical. His defensive effort and ability to read passing lanes also suggested he could be a two-way contributor. On paper and in the eye test, Young appeared to have earned at least a roster spot or a two-way contract. Given the Bulls’ own needs for guard depth and scoring punch off the bench, many assumed he would be a lock to make the roster. The team had a promising core, but adding a guard who could score and potentially develop into a steady rotation player seemed like a smart move.
So why did the Bulls ultimately waive him?
The answer lies in the complex and often harsh realities of NBA roster management. Teams have to consider not only raw talent and recent performances but also contract situations, salary cap implications, roster balance, and long-term strategic plans. The Bulls’ front office likely weighed these factors alongside their evaluations of other players, including veterans and younger talent, when making their final decisions.
One significant consideration is that Summer League success, while encouraging, does not always translate directly to regular-season NBA performance. The Summer League environment is unique: defenses are looser, the pace is different, and not all participants are at the same level of experience or preparation. Some players shine in this setting but struggle to adjust to the heightened physicality, speed, and complexity of the full NBA season. Teams are therefore cautious not to overvalue Summer League performances in isolation.
Moreover, roster spots are limited. NBA teams can only carry 15 players on their regular-season roster, with two additional spots potentially reserved for two-way contracts. These limited spots mean teams must make tough choices between prospects, veterans, and players with guaranteed contracts. In Young’s case, the Bulls may have had other players ahead of him on the depth chart who better fit their immediate needs or long-term vision.
Another factor could be positional fit and team strategy. The Bulls, building around key players like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, might have preferred guards with a more specialized skill set or defensive capabilities, or those with more NBA experience. It’s possible that despite Young’s scoring ability, the coaching staff and front office had concerns about how his game would translate defensively or within their specific system. NBA teams increasingly emphasize versatility and defensive switchability, especially on the perimeter, and if Young was deemed a liability or limited in this regard, that would affect his chances.
Salary considerations also come into play. Young’s contract situation—likely a non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed deal—may have been less of a factor compared to veterans who have guaranteed contracts but are already established. Sometimes teams waive promising young players simply because the contract structure makes it more efficient to keep others who have more secure deals or fit better under the salary cap.
There’s also the developmental pipeline and two-way contracts. Young could have been a candidate for a two-way deal, splitting time between the NBA and G League. However, the Bulls might have decided to allocate those two-way slots to other prospects who align better with their future plans or have higher perceived ceilings. Developmental opportunities in the G League are plentiful, but the Bulls may have assessed that Young’s path to meaningful NBA minutes was less certain compared to other young players on the roster.
From a psychological and organizational standpoint, decisions like this often reflect a broader philosophy within a franchise. The Bulls may be prioritizing certain traits—such as defensive tenacity, playmaking, or particular physical profiles—that they believe are essential for long-term success. While Young showed offensive talent, perhaps he did not fit the mold they wanted to cultivate. NBA franchises today operate with a data-driven and highly analytical approach, and sometimes impressive scoring displays aren’t enough if the player’s overall impact metrics or advanced stats don’t meet the team’s thresholds.
Another angle to consider is the Bulls’ overall timeline and roster construction. If the team envisions competing at a high level immediately, they may prefer veteran depth and stability over developmental projects, even ones with flashes of promise. It’s a “win-now” versus “build-for-the-future” dilemma that many teams grapple with. If the Bulls’ goal is to maximize their current competitive window with their star players, they might prioritize experienced role players who can contribute immediately, even if younger players like Young have more long-term potential.
Additionally, chemistry and intangible factors can influence these decisions. Coaches and front offices value players who fit well into the locker room culture and exhibit professionalism and coachability. While there’s no public indication that Young lacked these traits, internal evaluations may have influenced the decision. Sometimes players who seem like a good fit statistically may not mesh with the team’s culture or style of leadership.
In the broader context, Jahmir Young’s situation highlights the brutal competitiveness of professional basketball. The margin between making a roster and being waived is razor-thin. Hundreds of talented players compete for a limited number of spots, and even standout performances don’t guarantee security. Many NBA players have had to overcome initial setbacks, spending time in the G League or overseas before finding their stride. Being waived early is not necessarily the end of a player’s NBA dreams but rather a challenging step on a difficult path.
For Young, this waiver might be a temporary hurdle rather than a career dead-end. His Summer League performances have put him on the radar of multiple teams, and other franchises may see value in giving him a chance to prove himself in their systems. The NBA ecosystem is highly fluid, with players frequently moving between teams, leagues, and contracts. A player with proven scoring ability and a track record of rising to the moment in Summer League could easily catch on elsewhere.
Moreover, the G League offers a prime developmental platform where Young can refine his skills, work on defensive consistency, and prove his readiness for the NBA level. Many successful NBA players have taken this route, using the G League as a springboard back to the league. Young’s ability to score in bunches will always be a valuable commodity, and if he can round out his game—improving playmaking, defense, and consistency—he could still carve out a meaningful NBA career.
Young’s journey also underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in professional sports. Players often face rejection and setbacks, and those who succeed are the ones who persist, learn from experience, and continue to improve. His Summer League success shows he has the talent and mental toughness to compete, which should give him confidence moving forward.
From the Bulls’ perspective, the decision to waive Young is likely part of a broader strategic approach aimed at assembling a roster that aligns with their competitive goals. While some fans may lament the loss of a promising scorer, the team’s management is tasked with making the hard choices that balance immediate needs, salary cap considerations, roster fit, and developmental priorities.
In conclusion, Jahmir Young’s waiver by the Chicago Bulls despite his standout Summer League performances is a reminder of how unforgiving and complex the NBA roster-building process can be. Talent and impressive scoring outbursts are crucial, but they are only pieces of a larger puzzle that includes fit, contract logistics, team strategy, and long-term planning. While Young’s path with the Bulls may have ended abruptly, his Summer League success has undoubtedly opened doors elsewhere. With continued hard work and development, there remains every possibility that Jahmir Young will find his place in the NBA and continue to showcase the scoring prowess that made his Summer League so memorable.
