Nick Young is an NBA champion.

Of all the supporting cast members who came through during the Wizards’ Knucklehead Era, Nick Young was my favorite. Sure, he had his flaws, but they were the endearing and relatable flaws that allowed you to laugh off his mistakes in a way you couldn’t with guys like Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee.

He knew how to add a little flair to everything, whether it was shooting a jumper at a weird angle or spinning by Shawn Marion so he could spin around Tyson Chandler, a future Defensive Player of the Year, to finish a layup:

Sure, his tunnel vision was annoying, and his final season in Washington was an abomination, but he was so dang fun to watch when he had it going. It takes a certain bravado most people don’t have to go off for 38 against a LeBron-era Heat team:

On top of all that, the way he overcame so much early in his life is commendable. The way he silenced doubters on the court this season deserves respect as well. After a decade on teams that never had a meaningful shot at winning a title, he took on a lesser role to be on a contender and he delivered at points in the playoffs when the Warriors had injury issues. He doesn’t fit the mold of your classic role player, but he did what needed to be done to earn a ring.

So go ahead Nick, strut your stuff.