Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s detailed information about Thaddeus Young:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Thaddeus Charles Young Sr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born June 21, 1988
  • Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
  • Height: 6’8″ (203 cm)
  • Weight: 235 lbs (107 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7’0″
  • Shoe Size: 14 (US)
  • Number:
    • #21 (Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and other teams)
    • #30 (Toronto Raptors)
  • Position: Power Forward / Small Forward
  • High School:
    • Mitchell High School (Memphis, Tennessee)
    • Highlights:
      • McDonald’s All-American (2006)
      • Named Tennessee Mr. Basketball in 2005
  • College: Georgia Tech (2006–2007)
    • Highlights:
      • Played one season, averaging 14.4 points and 4.9 rebounds
  • NBA Draft: 2007, 1st Round, 12th Overall Pick by the Philadelphia 76ers
  • Teams Played For:
    • Philadelphia 76ers (2007–2014)
    • Minnesota Timberwolves (2014–2015)
    • Brooklyn Nets (2015–2016)
    • Indiana Pacers (2016–2019)
    • Chicago Bulls (2019–2021)
    • San Antonio Spurs (2021–2022)
    • Toronto Raptors (2022–present)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids:
    • Thaddeus has two sons:
      • Thaddeus Young Jr.
      • Taylor Young
  • Siblings:
    • Younger brother: Terrell Young
  • Parents:
    • Father: Felton Young (played college basketball at Jacksonville University)
    • Mother: Lula Hall (passed away in 2014)

Player Archetype / Play Style

Thaddeus Young’s archetype is that of a versatile glue-guy forward, the kind of frontcourt connector who can defend multiple spots, move the ball quickly, and impact a game without needing featured touches. Defensively, he has long been most effective as a switchable team defender who uses timing, strength, and awareness to bother wings and forwards, deny position, and make sharp help rotations rather than living as a pure shot-blocker. Offensively, his role has typically centered on screening, short-roll passing, cutting, finishing around the basket, and keeping the offense flowing with unselfish decisions instead of hunting volume shots. Physically, Young brings a sturdy 6-foot-8 frame and notable length, which, paired with good mobility for a forward, has helped him play both forward spots and even slide into smaller lineups. The overall play style summary is a smart, low-maintenance veteran forward who wins with feel, versatility, defensive instincts, and connective offense more than flash. (Sporting News)

Fun Facts

  • He invests in the stock market as a professional investor and in June 2023 had over 300 companies in his stock portfolio.

Sources:

Sporting News — Trade deadline addition of Thaddeus Young makes Raptors even more dangerous in East playoff race
Sports Illustrated — Top 100 NBA Players of 2019
NBA.com — Thaddeus Young | Forward | Phoenix Suns
Tankathon — Thaddeus Young 2007 Draft Profile