BRANDAN WRIGHT one of the fastest rising stars in the basketball scene.
 |
Looks like Nelson's ready to play Brandan Wright (maybe just a little)
Quick shot from Warriors practice, quickly, before I write my column for tomorrow’s paper: Had to notice that Brandan Wright was running with the Blue (first) team at the end of practice today (subbing in and out for Al Harrington, it looked like). Brandan Wright looked pretty spritely–tossing up runners, racing ahead of Blue teammate Baron Davis on the fastbreak, going up to block shots at the rim. Brandan Wright hasn’t seen a second of NBA action yet, thanks to Don Nelson’s non-love of rookie big men and Brandan Wright’s recent back soreness, so it was interesting to see the No. 8 overall pick running with Baron, Kelenna Azubuike, Stephen Jackson and Andris Biedrins. And afterward, I asked Brandan Wright about it. Question 1: Is this the first time you’ve played on the Blue squad in full-court scrimmaging? Brandan Wright: First time in a long time. Question 2: Could it mean something about your role? Brandan Wright: Could mean something. I don’t know. And there you go, just as you demand, hard-hitting journalism straight from the court! Incredible revelations! Breaking news! OK, who knows, but everything seems to point towards Brandan Wright making his NBA debut tomorrow against Cleveland, which is a good enough match-up for him. Of course, I also asked Nelson about Brandan Wright (and Stephane Lasme), and Nelson said he would’ve played Brandan Wright at some point in the first three games, all losses, if Brandan Wright had been healthy enough to practice. Well, Brandan Wright’s healthy enough to practice now. I saw it with my own bleary eyes. So…. Though Nellie was in a very non-revealing mood today, he seemed to suggest that Brandan Wright was moving towards game action. “He definitely has something,” Nelson said. “You can tell he’s going to be a really good player. But probably won’t be productive until he gets a little bit older. He’s definitely got something.” Particularly with the team so lacking in above-the-rim play right now, wouldn’t it be good just to see a young body buzz around the lane? “I think he’s got more to offer,” Nelson said. “That’s what I like about he and (Marco) Belinelli–they are basketball players. They see the game and they can make a play and a pass. There’s a good understanding there and that’s why I think they’re going to be really good players some day.” My opinion: It’s always good to get talented young players onto the floor as soon as possible, so you can tell if they’re actually any good, and I think Brandan Wright is going to be very good. Just watching him go up and down the floor today, I can’t think of another Warrior forward that big and with that agility–yeah, he’s skinny, but Brandan Wright can do some things. I think. Plus, with Jackson still out for four more games, and Matt Barnes in a understandable funk, the Warriors desperately need some length and activity on the floor at the forward spot–why not Brandan Wright? I think it’ll happen tonight… and if he doesn’t screw up (against Drew Gooden, not that big of a deal either way), Brandan Wright could be playing a little more every game. Read more at the www.mercextra.com |
BRANDAN WRIGHT ADS OTHER NEWS Syndicated content not available |