Memphis Grizzlies 2017-18 Player Preview: Brandan Wright
With the season nearby, let’s take a look at each player for the Memphis Grizzlies. Can Brandan Wright have an injury-free year and contribute?
When the Memphis Grizzlies signed Brandan Wright to a three-year deal in the summer of 2015, he had a defined role. He was a third-big man who can change the pace of the game and give Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph a breather.
Instead, he experienced injury after injury as he missed all but 12 games his first season and played in 28 last season. When he did play, he looked like he could be a major piece for this team. However, with the big men in front of him, it was hard to define a role for him.
Wright’s lack of a role led to frustration at last season’s exit interviews. Many believed that he was a prime candidate to be moved. Instead, he’s back with the team this year and could contribute in a big way.
How does he help this Grizzlies team this year? Can he find a consistent role? Can he stay healthy?
Defining his role
With Brandan Wright at the 5, he brings a change of pace in the second unit. Unlike Marc Gasol, he has the ability to get out in the open court and run. He finishes with high efficiency around the rim, making him an easy target for lobs. On the defensive end, he has the length and athleticism to protect the basket. With his quickness and wingspan, he can bother ball-handlers on the pick-and-roll switch.
He’s a valuable key in Fizdale’s system. Fizdale desires a faster offense, and an athletic 5 like Wright surely helps. In addition, he has also stressed positional versatility. With Wright, they can still go small without sacrificing rim protection.
If Wright can stay healthy, he’s the perfect third big man behind JaMychal Green and Marc Gasol. He’s the difference in Marc Gasol averaging 35 minutes and 30 minutes in the regular season. If he can come and give either big man a 15-20 minute break, that’d be huge for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Related Story: The Underrated Importance of Brandan Wright
Closing Remarks
The main key for Brandan Wright is health. He’s only played more than 60 games twice in his nine-year career. If he can’t stay healthy, that forces them to go with the smaller JaMychal Green or the raw, inexperienced Deyonta Davis at the backup center position. Any of those scenarios isn’t ideal for the Memphis Grizzlies — or Marc Gasol.
Hopefully, Brandan Wright can stay healthy, because he can make a huge impact on this team.