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Memphis Grizzlies: 8 Things to Expect from Delon Wright

By Ed Memphis

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 9: Delon Wright #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands for the National Anthem prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 9, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 9: Delon Wright #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands for the National Anthem prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 9, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies Delon Wright
Delon Wright is now a member of the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Offense

Archtype

Delon Wright’s player archetype can be best summarized as an “all-around crafty play-maker” offensively as well as defensively. A cerebral player even when scoring, Delon has literally every tool needed as a guard, especially now that he is improving as a three-point shooter and off-ball threat.

Physique

At 6’5,” Delon has decent size for either guard spot, but has exceptional size for his natural point guard spot, which allows him to use his height to see over most defenders to create for himself as well as others, and also post up guards who are smaller.

IQ/Awareness

He has an excellent feel for the game as his awareness of every situation and what it presents, is pretty good for a guy drafted late-first round and has been a reserve during his first four NBA seasons. However, we have seen even stranger things happen here in Memphis this week alone.

Moves & Skill Level

Delon is a very polished ball-handler who knows how to use the court and spacing to create for himself and others. He is very clever when using his body to sneak under guys that are bigger, and even leaning forward when he gets the ball to create seperation from the defender before he even puts the ball on the ground to make a move.

As Draft Express points out in this video analysis, Delon Wright also uses his footstep to gain angles and fake out advantages on defenders.

In one particular highlight of the video, Delon gets the ball and pushes the fastbreak, where he is met at the rim by a big man. The big man cuts Delon off from the easy left end, so Wright goes right, as if he lost control on his way out of bounds, only to make the defender lose the angle advantage as Delon Wright finishes with a reverse right at the last minute.

This is a total demonstration of his chemistry with timing. That is crafty stuff, folks.

Ball-Handling & Passing

In other instances, Delon has used to demonstrate his immaculate footwork, which enables him to fake out defenders routinely — almost to the level of a Rajon Rondo.

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Delon also uses footwork for creating space that forces help and thus frees his teammates for easy assists. Wright is as smooth as a feather with the ball, using very reliable and creative handles to run dribble-drive penetration perfectly, as he often kicks it out for assists to wide-open teammates.

His size at point guard gives him serious advantage to do so comsistently. An unselfish guard, Delon Wright currently averages eight points, three rebounds, and three assists in only 20 minutes per game.

In translation, his stat line reads that of a guy who looks to make the right play at all times and is a stat-stuffing play-maker if nothing else. His three-point shooting has improved to around 35% as well, making him even more of a play-making threat, being as teams cannot sag as much to clog lanes.

Unlike many right-handed big guards, Delon can not only finish, but handle and pass with both hands. The Utah product also uses the entire court to generate offense versus a particular side. Scheming to cut off a certain side of the court is not very effective against him. Again, a very crafty guard with a full arsenal of moves to create baskets and finish them. Wright pick-‘n’- rolls well, too, as a result.

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