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Scouting Report: Memphis Grizzlies’ Brandan Wright

By Christian Dudley

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Mar 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Brandan Wright (32) against the Sacramento Kings at US Airways Center. The Kings defeated the Suns 108-99. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Beale Street Bears sits down with Valley of the Suns to learn more about the offerings of forward/center Brandan Wright as he prepares to play for the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Memphis Grizzlies have had a solid offseason thus far. They have increased their team’s depth, retained their face of the franchise, and have made their team more athletic.

Just how have they made their team more athletic? Being as backup center Kosta Koufos was on his way out of the door after seeking a higher-paying contract and a greater team role, the Grizzlies got lucky when they ran across free-agent big man Brandan Wright.

Wright is a seasoned veteran in the frontcourt that is well-known for his shot-blocking abilities on the defensive end. While he does not look to produce high scoring totals, he makes every shot count by carrying an extremely efficient shooting percentage each season.

What else should Grizz Nation know about B-Wright?

Apr 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Brandan Wright (32) blocks a shot by Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the second half at US Airways Center. The Suns won 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

First off, he is a Tennessee native. While not from Memphis, the Grizzlies are as close as it can get to being his hometown team.

For a greater insight into Brandan Wright’s playing styles and habits, Beale Street Bears looked to Gerald Bourguet of Valley of the Suns, FanSided‘s blog site regarding all things related to the Phoenix Suns.

Wright spent a portion of the 2014-15 season as a member of the Suns. Here is Gerald Bourguet’s scouting report through our Q & A session.

Christian Dudley: “What are a few words that describes Brandan Wright’s play on the court (from what you saw when he was with the Phoenix Suns)?”

Gerald Bourguet: “‘Long’ is the first word that comes to mind. With a massive 7’4″ wingspan and a 36-inch vertical leap, this 6’10” big is a prime alley-oop target. As the roll guy in pick-and-roll sets, Wright is extremely effective when it comes to diving to the rim into open space to free himself up for easy, high-percentage buckets. Speaking of which, “efficient” is the other word I’d use to describe him since he shot nearly 75 percent from the field in Dallas before his field goal percentage dropped to (the still absurd) 58 percent in Phoenix.”

CD: “Brandan Wright is known to score the majority of his points from around–or even above–the rim. Is there much hope of him nailing open midrange jumpers or should Grizz Nation expect only layups, put-backs, dunks, and alley-oops?”

GB: “Sorry Grizz Nation, but I’d hold off on hoping for anything outside of the paint for Wright. He’s not limited to just alley-oops and layups, as he actually has a decent floater and a serviceable hook shot as well. But according to NBA.com, he shot about less than 43 percent on shots outside the restricted area and on shots outside the paint, that number dropped to less than 38 percent. Wright knows where he’s effective, however, which is why 85 percent of his shot attempts came from right around the rim.”

CD: “Does Wright do the little things properly and effectively, such as setting legal screens (rather than getting called frequently on moving screens), taking charges, passing out of clogged lanes, etc? Basically, what are his biggest strengths and weaknesses when it comes to doing things that do not show up in the box score?”

Mar 19, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Brandan Wright (32) dunks the ball in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

GB: “Absolutely. He’s not a particularly imposing screener, but he’s smart when it comes to slipping the screen and freeing himself up for those high percentage shots that he prefers right around the rim. He’s a good shot blocker in limited minutes and he rarely turns the ball over (he was turnover-free in 35 of the 40 games he played with the Suns). Chances are, if Wright catches the ball, he won’t be passing it, since he usually only touches the ball in the paint, but he’s a smart player who does well on the offensive boards and will quickly make some fans for himself in Memphis.”

CD: “The Memphis Grizzlies love to play big. Brandan Wright has been brought to Memphis to primarily block shots and protect the rim. Should he strictly play the power forward position or could he be effective as a center, too?”

GB: “I actually like him better as a center. As the 4-spot, he’s not quite as effective since he can’t spread the floor with even a midrange shot, but then again, the Grizzlies have no problem operating the paint with two bigs, so perhaps it won’t be as much of an issue in Memphis. 

In any case, I asked Wright a similar question about where he preferred playing earlier in the year and he reminded me, “The last four years, I’ve been playing 85 percent backup center. A little bit more in Dallas, I played a lot more backup 4 so I’m pretty comfortable with it. Wherever I need to be, wherever I can be plugged in at I just got to be ready to play.” As a solid rim protector, rebounder and roll guy out of pick-and-roll sets, Wright can be effective at the 5 in backup minutes.”

 

There you have it, Grizz Nation. It sounds as if Brandan Wright fits some of the  Memphis Grizzlies’ needs as they prepare for the 2015-16 season.

Many thanks to Mr. Bourguet for the in-depth analysis and insight regarding Brandan Wright and the contributions the big man provided for the Phoenix Suns this past season. Check out Valley of the Suns for more of Gerald’s work.

Continue to check Beale Street Bears for the latest news, rumors, and other offseason info regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

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