Young on Aces' mindset as defending champions
Las Vegas Aces' Jackie Young, who recently made her fifth All-Star roster, sits down with Sue Bird to chat about her eighth season in the league, working alongside A'ja Wilson and her mindset as a defending champion.
Video Transcript
Jackie, you were just named to your fifth All-Star in a row.
When you think about that, you're in your eighth year now, what does that mean to you?
Yeah, I mean, it's been a crazy journey, you know?
Obviously wasn't, like, a typical number one pick, but I kinda worked my way, you know, into that.
So I had a first, what, three years were first kinda, slow a little bit.
Until then, after that, and I added the three-point shot, I was able to, you know, become an All-Star.
And I think that's the biggest difference was adding that three.
But yeah, just looking back, I'm only in year eight, and I'm a five-time All-Star.
I mean, it just says a lot, about my work ethic.
But yeah, super blessed, to be in this position.
Yeah, let's talk about your work ethic a little bit because, like you said, you know, it took a couple years to kind of, for you to find your game, develop parts of your game.
So what do you think is harder?
Is it harder to, like, establish yourself, or is it harder to stay established?
Ooh, that's tough.
I would say a little bit of both, you know?
Kinda once you, like, establish yourself- Mm-hmm but then kinda, like, staying there, you know?
There's always gonna be new people coming into the league, everybody's getting better.
Yeah.
And so I think just for myself continuing to get better, you know.
And I, that's why I just try to come back a better player each off-season.
Yeah.
Okay, so this year you're averaging, career highs in rebounds, which is great, but I wanna focus on the assists.
Career high in assists also.
Okay.
You're, like, very close to seven assists.
That's up from somewhere in the five assist range.
Yeah.
So when it comes to the playmaking part, because playmaking is not always something you can, like, go practice.
Right?
You're not out there, like, able to mimic what you're gonna see in a game.
So what do you think the difference is this year in your playmaking?
Yeah, I think, you know, the ball's in my hand, in my hands a lot more.
But also just taking the time to watch film.
Like you said, you can't just kinda, like, create this stuff, you know?
You just have to, like, be able to watch it, and then whenever you get out there, being able to apply it.
And so I think, you know, just taking a lot of time to, like, watch film, ask questions.
I'm obviously playing with Chelsea Gray.
Becky Hammon's my coach, you know, so kinda taking from both of them.
And they've just helped me, along the way.
And then I think, you know, just kind of just being a more confident passer and, just being okay with making the risky pass.
Oh, well, you know, it's funny you say that- Yeah 'cause I was just gonna ask.
I think one of the hard parts is to be a great playmaker, you have to take some risks.
You know, you maybe see something, you have to try to get it over there.
But with that comes turnovers.
Yeah.
So how do you manage?
Because from what I hear- talking to your teammates, talking to Becky, you're a little bit of a perfectionist.
Yeah.
I think a lot of players are.
Mm-hmm.
So how do you manage, like, knowing you're probably gonna, you're probably gonna turn it over a little bit in order to become a, an excellent playmaker?
Yeah, I think just trying to have that balance and knowing that just with being a riskier passer, that there's gonna be turnovers, and it took a little bit for me to accept that, and that's why- you know, I wasn't threading the needle or, like, making no-look passes or things like that.
And so I think this year just accepting that, and just coming in with full confidence and knowing that, you know, I study the game and I spend a lot of time, working on my game.
And so just having that confidence, coming into the games allows me to be able to, you know, make a, a risky pass or a no-look pass.
Mm-hmm.
And that's been the biggest difference.
Okay, so one more thing on the playmaking part.
How do you think, you know, the ways you've been able to do that on the court, how do you think that's opened things up for you scoring-wise?
Or has it?
Yeah, I think so for sure.
Whenever I'm coming off of ball screens, I'm seeing different coverages all night.
I mean, sometimes they might hedge, they might trap, they might be in a drop.
They might push, you know?
And so I just have to be able to read that on the fly.
But at the same time, it kinda opens up, scoring opportunities for me because I know if I come off of that ball screen, being aggressive, that's the best me, and then just making that read out of that.
Okay.
So in a similar kind of space, the other thing you've done, more recently is, you know, your scoring, you know, after a little bit of a slow start- in the first part of the season, that's kinda come back.
That's back to normal.
You've added the playmaking.
But when A'ja was out, your scoring, you know, you have to pick it up a little bit.
Mm-hmm.
So you had 31 in the Commissioner Cup- Yeah as an example.
Then she comes back in your guys' last game, and you get 19.
You have a double double with 19 points- Yeah 11 assists.
So when, you know How do you decide, or how are you able to flip that switch between like, "Oh, I need to score more tonight," and, "Oh, I need to be I can score, but I also have to be a facilitator"?
Like, how do you juggle that?
Yeah.
Well, I think for me it's obviously knowing what team I'm on and whose team this is, you know, and we're playing through A'ja Wilson.
But at the same time I know that I have to be aggressive, in order for her to get hers, you know?
Yeah.
And so, a lot of times, we're in pick and rolls together, and so I just have to make the right read, whether I'm scoring it or I'm passing it to her or maybe my teammates, on the weak side.
And so, it's just been, you know, just trying to find that balance.
But at the same time knowing that A'ja Wilson was out, that we're obviously gonna have to pick up the scoring.
And so, that was just an opportunity for me to, you know, just be more aggressive, on the offensive end and look to score a little bit more.
Yeah, I love how you're so, like, casual about it.
You're like, "So it's, you know, I just had to score a little bit more."
As if it's, it's so easy.
You make it look easy, but we all know it's not.
Let's talk about your teammates.
Mm-hmm.
Just kind of, I feel like between you, A'ja, Chelsea, Jewell now, you all have, like, a different fingerprint- on the identity of the team.
So let's start with A'ja.
We had brought, already brought her up.
So what, what's A'ja's, like, fingerprints on this team?
Yeah, I mean, she's the lead- the leader of this team.
This is her team.
We all know that.
She's the best player in the world.
And so we all play, through her and, like, off of her.
She brings that energy every day, and she sets the standard for us.
What about as a leader?
Is there something that, like, people might not see or understand about how she leads you guys?
Yeah, I think, you know, just with, her being the best player in the world and, you know, all the pressure that comes with that, and the being double teamed and triple teamed, and you'll see pictures with four people on her.
Mm-hmm.
But she just takes the time to, you know, have a relationship with each player on this team, no matter if you're a starter, if you don't play, if you play a little bit.
She really takes the time to really develop that relationship with her teammates.
Yeah, she gets cakes for you guys.
Yeah, she does, you know- She gets you cake for, you know .
Okay.
Okay.
Now let's go to, I mean, I need to recover for a second.
Okay, now let's go to, to Chelsea.
Mm-hmm.
Like, what are, what are Chelsea's fingerprints?
Yeah, I mean, she's the point guard, and so she kind of gets everybody in order.
I mean, she knows all the plays.
She's kinda that vocal leader.
If we needed to tighten up a little bit, she's on us.
But at the same time, on the defensive end too, she kinda just sets the, intensity in the locker room, and, does everything for us.
And so obviously she sees the game, you know, in a different lens than, you know, all of us.
Mm-hmm.
And so, she kinda sets the tone, on the offensive end, you know, by just not turning the ball over and, and making the right plays.
Yeah.
And what about Jewell?
'Cause Jewell's now in her second year, a player that, given your roster changes in the last, you know- 72 hours or so, she might have to, to step up a little bit more.
So what about Jewell?
Yeah, Jewell is great.
I mean, obviously she's been in this league a long time, and she's won, multiple championships, you know?
And so it's just kind of whenever you hear Jewell Lloyd, you know, there's, like, some respect that comes with it.
And so she might not be the loudest leader, on the team, but I think her presence just speaks for itself.
And, you know, there are times when she'll get a little fired up, but, Jewell's Jewell every day.
She'll get fired up?
I like it.
She's, she's Jewell every day, you know?
Yeah.
And so, I mean, she's the first one in the gym.
She's here super early.
She's getting shots up.
And, you know, I think she just sets a great example, by the work that she puts in.
Yeah.
All right, now what about you?
Yeah, um- What's, what's, what's, What is your impact on this team?
Not just on the court.
Mm-hmm.
Maybe off the court, maybe in the locker room.
Like, what are some things that, that you bring that we might not see?
Yeah.
I think just my work ethic and leading by example.
We all know I'm not gonna be the loudest- Yeah in the room ever.
Um- The quiet- The quiet glue player.
Yeah, yeah.
And so, yeah, I think, you know, just being myself and kind of growing into this leadership role a little bit more and just, you know, being confident enough to use my voice, but knowing that, I put in the work, you know, to be able to speak up at times.
And so, you know, I think people just respect me because of the work that I put in, and then just trying to do whatever I can to help my teammates, be the best teammates that they can be and to help my team win.
And so whether that means scoring, defending, passing the ball, I think just being able to, accept whatever role that is for that night.
So you bring up, like, just, like, veteran, leadership.
You're in year eight now.
Do you feel like a vet?
Because it's interesting 'cause y- you are surrounded by a lot of veteran players- especially Chelsea, Jewell.
So you're surrounded by vets.
I'm sure when you were younger you could just, like, let them do it, but do you feel more like, "Oh, like, I'm a vet now"?
Or has that sinked in at all?
Yeah, no, I do feel like that a little bit more.
Okay.
But at the same time, I still have Chelsea, Jewell A- Yeah you know?
So they do, like, a lot of the, like, heavy loading.
Mm-hmm.
And then, I'm able to s- to just, you know, like, show up and be myself, you know?
Mm-hmm.
In my younger years, they were kinda, like, pushing me to, like, just do things that I was uncomfortable doing, you know?
And so now it's just using my voice a little bit more, um- Yeah if I see things on the court, you know, just being able to tell my teammates.
I'm obviously probably not gonna be, like, yelling and all those things, but, like, if I see things, I'll go over to my teammates separately and, and tell them things that I see.
Okay.
So let's talk about, you know, repeating.
It's something you guys have done before.
It's something you're trying to do again.
Similar to what I asked you before, what do you think is harder, being the hunted or being the hunter?
I think being the hunted, you know?
Yeah.
I agree.
Just having that target on your back.
Everybody's out to get you.
Mm-hmm.
You know?
Every night when we step on the floor, we know we're gonna get, that team's best, that team's best shot.
And so I think just knowing that going into the games, and really it started in training camp, coming off of that championship and knowing that this is what comes with it.
When you think about this year's team, because what's interesting is, you're defending champs, but, like, your team is a little different.
Mm-hmm.
So it's not quite the exact same roster.
Right.
So you are trying to, like, form something new.
So really the first question I have is how does Becky get you guys to, as a coach, like, stay in the present of that as opposed to living in the past?
Yeah, I think it starts, early on in training camp, you know?
Kinda like our first meetings and her kinda setting the standard, and, you know, just not looking too far ahead, but knowing that, you know, if you, come here to play Aces basketball, that you were handpicked, and we know what the goal is, at the end of the day.
So what is Aces basketball?
Like, what's this year's identity?
Yeah.
It's the standard.
And so, you know, I think just coming to work every day, and focusing on ourselves and, you know, just trying to get, better each game, each practice, and then, and just building off of that.
What do you think, allows you guys to have the success you're having right now?
Right now, like as of today, you're technically in first place.
I think it's, like, tied, but- Yeah, I think just the joy that we play with, you know, and everybody being unselfish.
I think we have a great, a good balance of, you know, having fun, but then also knowing that when it's time to lock in, it's time to lock in.
And so, just trying to Just having fun with it.
That's the biggest thing.
Yeah.
Playing for one another, being unselfish.
And then at the end of the day, I mean, Beck, she's always just instilling that confidence into every player, and just tells us, you know, like, we get to play basketball for a living.
Mm-hmm.
Like, you know, be grateful for what we do, be thankful for that, and then to just have fun.
Yeah.
I feel like when I watch Becky's press conferences, it's always like she's dropping, like, a nugget of some sort.
Mm-hmm.
Like, a nugget of advice, a nugget of, of knowledge.
Yeah, for sure.
Like, something.
So what's, what's, like, one or two you could share that kind of, like, stick out for you that she's said to you?
I think for me it would have to be something with confidence, you know?
Okay.
Just trusting myself.
And, you know, at times I think she had more confidence, in me than I had in myself, you know?
Yeah.
And so just kinda, like, believing that.
Obviously she sees a lot of the work that I put in and a lot of the work that I don't put in.
But, she's just always instilling that confidence in me, you know, to just go out there on the court and to be myself, be aggressive, have fun, and play with confidence.
All right.
We're gonna do a little rapid fire.
Okay.
We're gonna have fun with it.
Yeah.
See what happens.
Okay.
What's your favorite fashion designer or brand right now?
My favorite fashion designer, I would say Amiri.
Okay.
Yeah.
Who do you think the best dressed in the WNBA is?
Or whose, like, tunnel fits do you like?
Whose tunnel fits do I like?
I think Arike's are cool.
Mm-hmm.
I like hers.
I'll go Rickea's fits are nice.
Anybody on my team.
Yeah.
Just all the Aces.
What emoji do you use the most?
Probably just the laughing emoji.
Okay.
Yeah.
Like, the straight one or the- Uh- the one to the side?
Like, the one with like the little- The crying?
Yeah.
I know.
So- There's like the one straight on and then the one- Yeah, no, not the straight on one.
Okay.
Yeah.
The one to the side.
Yeah.
All right.
Do you have any tips for surviving this Vegas heat?
I have my, I have my, my, my two, you know, my two-piece on here.
Yeah.
Like, I'm set.
Yeah, just- I think what you have on is good, you know?
That's right.
Drink some water.
Don't stay out there for too long.
Okay.
It's hot out there.
What's your pre-game meal?
Usually like an omelet- Okay with some toast.
Depends on the time of the game, but then maybe like Jersey Mike's.
Okay.
Mike's Way?
Yeah, but no onions.
Okay.
Yeah.
Fair.
pre-game music?
On the way to the gym, probably Blxst.
I always listen to him.
Oh, really?
So, yeah.
Oh, so you like to like ease your way in?
Yeah.
He's like, I feel like he's on the chiller side.
Yeah, yeah, he is chill.
Okay.
He's chill, for sure.
That makes sense, actually.
Yeah.
You're getting in your like- Zone I'm about to- Yeah yeah, about to go to work.
I stay the same at all times.
Yeah, then I listen to him on the court, like- Yeah now people from other teams are like, "Oh, I know she's on the court 'cause I hear Blxst."
So That's funny.
Okay.
What's your favorite, who is your favorite WNBA player of all time?
Candace Parker is my favorite WNBA player.
Okay.
Who's your favorite NBA player of all time?
LeBron.
Okay.
What is your favorite, since you guys lose at home a lot, I'm joking- What's your favorite road arena to play in?
Ooh, my favorite road arena?
LA's pretty cool.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, I'd go LA.
LA?
Okay.
Last but not least, what were we talking about at the Commissioner Cup game last week?
I'm not spoiling it.
I'm not either.
Some talk about it.
Jackie, thanks for sitting down with me.
Yeah, thanks for having me.
Of course.
