2024 Undrafted Rookie Jahmir Young Erupts for 40 Points in Summer League Showcase, Sparking Hope for Chicago Bulls Future

Jahmir Young wasn’t supposed to be the main event. He didn’t hear his name called during the 2024 NBA Draft. He didn’t walk across the stage, shake Adam Silver’s hand, or pose in a Bulls cap surrounded by flashing lights. But under the bright lights of the Summer League court, the 6-foot-2 guard from Maryland stole the spotlight with an electrifying 40-point performance that left fans buzzing and front offices wide-eyed.

On a scorching afternoon in Las Vegas, Young put on a masterclass of offensive brilliance, torching his opponent with surgical efficiency. He scored 40 points on 13-of-18 shooting, including a blistering 7-of-8 from three-point range. He added three assists, two steals, and knocked down seven of nine free throws in just 33 minutes of action. But the stats only tell half the story. This wasn’t just a great Summer League outing—it was a defining statement from a player who refuses to be overlooked.

For the Chicago Bulls, a franchise in transition with one eye on retooling and another on competing, Young’s emergence feels serendipitous. While the organization continues to evaluate roster depth and backcourt options, Jahmir Young has thrown his name into the conversation with thunderous authority. It’s no longer a question of whether he belongs. It’s a matter of where and how he fits into the Bulls’ plans moving forward.

From the opening tip, Young exuded confidence. He sliced through defenders with precision, hit step-back threes with unflinching swagger, and played with the kind of energy that’s contagious. His rhythm was undeniable, his decision-making was crisp, and every shot felt like a declaration: “I belong here.” Whether pulling up off the dribble, attacking in transition, or relocating for spot-ups, Young scored at all three levels with poise and maturity that belied his undrafted status.

Perhaps most impressive was his perimeter shooting. Coming into Summer League, scouts questioned whether Young’s jump shot would translate consistently against NBA-level defenders. On this day, he answered those doubts emphatically. Seven threes, almost all contested, and almost all net. His release was quick, compact, and repeatable—exactly what coaches look for in a rotational guard. His confidence in letting it fly opened up driving lanes, allowing him to mix in downhill attacks and free throw opportunities.

But Young wasn’t just a scorer. He facilitated when needed, notching three assists, and his vision in pick-and-roll situations showed improvement from his college days. On defense, he played with hustle and anticipation, picking off two steals and disrupting passing lanes. His energy on both ends of the floor was infectious, igniting a Bulls run that turned a close game into a controlled performance.

It’s performances like this that rewrite narratives.

Before today, Jahmir Young was a promising but undersized guard with questions about consistency and NBA readiness. After today, he’s a name Bulls fans are demanding to see on the preseason roster. He’s not a lottery pick, nor does he come with the hype of a top-tier college blueblood. But he’s proving that heart, skill, and willpower can shatter expectations.

Young’s basketball journey has always been defined by overcoming doubt. A standout at Charlotte before transferring to Maryland, he often played with a chip on his shoulder. He wasn’t the flashiest recruit. He wasn’t hailed as a future NBA star. But he brought toughness, scoring acumen, and a relentless work ethic that earned him All-Big Ten recognition. His college resume was packed with clutch performances and high-scoring efforts, but scouts remained skeptical about how it would translate. Today’s game answered those doubts with authority.

And for the Bulls, a team actively searching for guard depth behind Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, Young’s timing couldn’t be better. Chicago’s current guard rotation is still fluid. Lonzo Ball’s return timeline remains uncertain, and veteran options like Jevon Carter have yet to solidify their long-term role. With that in mind, Jahmir Young’s ability to handle the ball, shoot, and defend multiple positions adds immediate value.

It’s easy to overreact to Summer League performances. Every year, a few players light up Vegas and disappear when the lights dim. But there’s something different about Young’s demeanor. His game is rooted in control and versatility. His success isn’t just the product of a hot hand—it’s the byproduct of years of steady development, an unshakable mindset, and a hunger that can’t be faked.

Even Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, who was in attendance, was seen nodding in approval during Young’s scoring bursts. After the game, assistant coaches huddled with team execs, discussing rotations and future evaluations. One name came up again and again: Jahmir Young.

He’s making it impossible to ignore him.

Fans at the game chanted his name. Social media exploded with highlights. Analysts posted side-by-side comparisons to other undrafted gems like Fred VanVleet and Jose Alvarado. And while it’s far too early to place Young in that class, the early signs are promising. He’s not just playing well—he’s dominating.

But Young’s postgame comments reminded everyone what drives him. “I’m just here to show I can help a team win,” he said. “Draft or no draft, I know what I bring to the game. I’ve worked too hard to let the noise define me.”

That mentality is what separates flashes in the pan from long-term contributors. Jahmir Young knows who he is. He’s a scorer, a competitor, and a professional. And the Bulls are taking notice. They may have found a hidden gem without spending a draft pick. Now, it’s up to the front office to decide if they’ll give him the platform he’s earned.

The path forward isn’t guaranteed. Summer League glory doesn’t always lead to regular season minutes. Young will still need to battle through training camp, prove himself in preseason, and continue refining his game. But one thing’s certain—he’s kicked the door open. He’s no longer on the outside looking in.

The Bulls have seen flashes of this before in players like Derrick Jones Jr. and Javonte Green—high-motor, under-the-radar guys who made their mark through hustle and reliability. But Jahmir Young offers something even more rare: a shot-creator who can shoulder offensive loads when needed, while also fitting in as a complementary piece.

He’s already built instant chemistry with some of the Bulls’ younger players, and his communication on the court has drawn praise from the staff. Whether as a second-unit spark or a situational weapon, Young is positioning himself as a player who can not only make the roster—but make a difference.

As the Summer League continues, all eyes will be on how he follows up this jaw-dropping performance. Can he string together another efficient outing? Can he maintain consistency? If he does, the Bulls may have no choice but to lock him into a contract before another team swoops in.

In the end, basketball always rewards the grinders—the players who show up, shut out the noise, and let their game speak. Jahmir Young is one of them. He may not have been drafted, but he’s proving every minute he’s on the court that he absolutely belongs in the league. And if today was any indication, his future in Chicago—or somewhere in the NBA—is just beginning.

What started as a footnote to the Bulls’ Summer League roster might just be one of the most exciting storylines of the offseason. Because Jahmir Young didn’t just score 40 points today. He made a statement to the entire basketball world.