Sixers officially Sam Young from Memphis

The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that the team has acquired guard/forward Sam Young from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the rights to Ricky Sanchez. The Sixers acquired Sanchez’s rights from Denver, along with Reggie Evans, in exchange for Steven Hunter and Bobby Jones on Sept. 10, 2007.

"We feel Sam's overall skill set can be a valuable asset to our team and he adds to our depth at two positions,” Sixers President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn said.

Young (6-6, 220) was originally the 36th overall pick by Memphis in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft. In 179 games with 49 starts for the Grizzlies, Young has averaged 6.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game while shooting 45.5% from the floor, 24.3% from 3-point range and 77.6% from the line.

Last season, Young appeared in 78 games with 46 starts for Memphis, averaging 7.3 points on 47.2% shooting and had more steals (68) than turnovers (61). The Grizzlies finished the season 29-15 after he was named a full-time starter and were 30-16 overall with him in the starting lineup. Over the final 36 games, Young averaged 10.6 points in 48.8% shooting.

The Grizzlies advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time in team history last season, with Young appearing in all 13 games with 11 starts. He averaged 7.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per game and had a playoff career-high 18 points in Game 5 of Memphis’ first round series vs. San Antonio.

Young spent all four seasons at Pittsburgh and finished fourth on the school’s all-time scoring list. He was one of three seniors who comprised the all-time winningest class in Pitt history. As a senior, Young was an All-Big East First Team and AP All-American Third Team selection while also making the NCAA East Regional All-Tournament Team.