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Delon Wright, 6’5″, Point Guard, 23 years old, Utah Utes
The breakdown- Delon Wright at six feet five inches plays like a man who grew up watching a slew of guards. Pretty much you get a little bit of everything from the point guard from Los Angeles via Utah. First off he has the ability to pass out of any situation whether it is in a set offense or in the fastbreak. Secondly he is very unpredictable and hard to guard because of his agility and footwork. To be able to slice through defenders in the lane or create his own shot in an iso-type situation should make him attractive for any team in need of a scoring point guard. Lastly his defense is impeccable. He is not long, but he’s quick and has a knack of staying with his man. The big knock on Wright is his inability to shoot a consistent pullup jumpshot. He can weave through defenders and he can create, but when it comes to a simple jumper from 15-20 feet that is where life can get a little complicated.
Draft status: The knock on Delon Wright is his inability to shoot a consistent open jump shot or a simple pull up. It seems like the complicated things that it takes most players coming out of college to develop, Wright already has. Yet the glaring eyesore is that jump shot which will need to be improved drastically. One of the unfair criticisms however about Wright is his age. Wright is 23 years old and spent two years at College of San Francisco before committing and signing with the Utah Utes. However with age comes maturity. Wright came to the Utes after the team in 2013 mustered up an overall record of 14-18 and finishing 10th place in the Pac-12. Two years later, Wright helped lead the Utes all the way to the Sweet 16. To add to his strong senior season he also won the Bob Cousy award in 2015.
Player Comparison: With so much to offer in his game in his ability to see the floor and create his own shot, Wright’s game is similar to that of Deron Williams. Williams in his prime with Utah was one of the games best point guards prior to signing with the Brooklyn Nets. A nice floater, a soft touch with his ability to create and the vision in his ability to execute Jerry Sloan’s offense made him a pleasure for any NBA fan to watch. What gives Wright the potential to be even better than Williams is his defense and the ability to pressure the ball. If he can garner the same acclaim in the NBA as he did in college where he was named to the Pac-12 all defensive team, than the word steal may be familiar both to Wright and the team that potentially drafts him.
Summary: Wright with his age seems to knock him backward based on that omission and also his issues with his jump shot. However with his few faults he may be also one of the more NBA ready rookies coming out of the draft. Depending on how well he works out with teams, he could move up although the chances are highly unlikely.
Prediction: Mid to late first round.
Teams: Portland Trailblazers, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics.
