Versatile big-man Brandan Wright finally made a return to the court in January but wasn’t able to break into the playoff rotation for the Memphis Grizzlies. Let’s take a look at his regular season performance and look ahead to his future as a Grizzly.
Brandan Wright entered this season on the injury report and was a mainstay on it until late January. After multiple surgeries, it was unclear if Wright would return to his pre-injury form. It quickly became clear, however, that Wright was still his normal rim-running, lob-catching self.
Wright played in 28 games this season, averaging 6.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16 minutes of play per game. Wright showed his freak athleticism was intact, but had a tough time carving out a consistent role in the Memphis Grizzlies’ deep frontcourt.
Offense
Offensively, Brandan Wright is an elite roll man who thrived next to great playmakers (i.e. Mike Conley). His ability to play above the rim is something the Grizzlies’ frontcourt has lacked for years. Wright is also able to use his leaping ability to secure offensive rebounds, which was beneficial for a Grizzlies squad that struggled to rebound the basketball.
However, Wright lacks the ability to create his own shot, which made it hard for him to play without Conley on the court. Zach Randolph was a better option in the regard, which surely made it difficult for coach Fizdale to find minutes for Wright.
Overall, it wasn’t surprising that Wright struggled to fit in the rotation. If the Grizzlies decide to let Randolph or JaMychal Green walk in free agency, Wright could quickly become the third big in the rotation.
Offensive Grade: B-
Related Story: The Underrated Importance of Brandan Wright
Defense
Defensively, Brandan Wright was excellent at using his leaping ability and length to rotate to the rim and cover the mistakes of the Grizzlies backcourt. Wright could also hold his own on switches, but was not as solid in the post.
Wright fares much better in pick and roll situations than Randolph – which may be his ticket to entering the rotation if ZBo walks or continues to struggle defensively (he will). The Grizzlies’ pick-and-roll defense has been an issue for years, and the Spurs series was a microcosm of the season-long struggles. Tony Parker eviscerated the roll man and picked on Randolph specifically. Is it possible next season Wright becomes one of the solutions to this problem?
Defensive Grade: B
Final Grade: C+
This grade is a bit lower than what I gave Wright separately on offense and defense, but it seemed necessary to dock him a bit for his lack of availability in the lineup. Next season, a shakeup in the lineup should be expected. In his end of season media availability, Wright made it clear that he expects a larger role as a Grizzly next season:
Brandan Wright seems frustrated by his role down the stretch. "It's something that needs to be figured out... I'm looking forward to that."
— Peter Fleischer (@Peter_Fleischer) April 28, 2017
Wright later made it clear that he wanted to remain a Grizzly, and didn’t want to demand a trade (yet). It seems that this scenario can only resolve in two ways:
- The Memphis Grizzlies part with Wright in a trade for wing help or a draft pick.
- They find a way to incorporate Brandan Wright into the top of the rotation.
Brandan Wright certainly still has value as a rim-runner and a big that can play beside Marc Gasol. This situation will certainly be one to watch moving forward as the draft approaches next month.