Salt Lake Tribune: Wright's big opportunity in Toronto may be at hand

[vini_vidi_vici]

Been posted??

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2017/08/07/former-ute-delon-wrights-big-opportunity-in-toronto-may-be-at-hand/

The young point guard is expecting former Utah star Jakob Poeltl to make a leap next season.

“I expect a lot from Jak,” he said. “He’s going up for that backup center spot. I just think the more he learns, the better he gets. I think this year he’ll really turn some heads and show all the hard work he’s put in.”

Wright expects himself to make a big leap, too.

As he prepares to shoulder a greater responsibility next season, Wright has spent his summer in Los Angeles, laboring to improve his 3-point shooting (he shot just 33.3 percent from deep last season) and his ball-handling.

Recently, Wright spent a week working out with Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook.

“I’m learning from an MVP,” Wright said. “I’m just trying to use what I learn this summer and use it this season.”

He has spent his summer facing off against NBA stars James Harden and Chris Paul in pro-am battles in the Drew League.

“I just feel like with me having a whole summer to prepare and with my experience last year,” Wright said, “I feel I’m ready to step up.”

Im sure ppl will find some negative with training with Westbrook hah.

[sule]

I'm holding out anticipation for huge leaps in skill and ability in Wright, only b/c he's already 25 and will be entering his 3rd year without too much to show offensively after 4 years in college.

I'd put my money on incremental improvements year-on-year for the next 2-3 years, but I remain skeptical of his becoming significantly better than what he is now (i.e., going from backup to starter potential).

It's possible, but how often does it happen with 4-year college players already entering their prime NBA years?

If he does make the leap, this will be the year.

[PhilBlackson]

Corey as the main back up is gone..talk about really going out on a limb.

Not to mention Delon didn't need to go to OKC to find out Spalding is your best friend.

[right between the eyes]

How dare they misspell our all star point guard's name like that? Kyle Lowery really??

[Duffman100]

Love the lineup versatility he gives us. Can play 1, 2 and 3 in smaller lineups.

[ReaLiez]

Wright is going to be a success with his amazing defense as displayed in his limited minutes last year

[RonaldArtest]

His shooting next season will decide how much he capitalizes on his opportunity. If defenders have to respect his shot and not sag low or go under screens, the rest of his game offensively will flourish. He's a more dynamic playmaker than Joseph, but he has to be confident with the jimmy and prove that it's in his arsenal.

[BBallInSight]

Corey as the main back up is gone..talk about really going out on a limb.

Not to mention Delon didn't need to go to OKC to find out Spalding is your best friend.

They must be somewhat confident in Vanvleet as well to have made the leap.

[Rainman66]

what do people think of the Lowry/Wright/DeRozan/Ibaka/Poeltl lineup that Casey used to trot out sometimes last season. May give us the extra ball handling that we lost with Joseph when Lowry slides over to the 2 and Delon and Jakob have that added chemisty.

[Double Helix]

I'm holding out anticipation for huge leaps in skill and ability in Wright, only b/c he's already 25 and will be entering his 3rd year without too much to show offensively after 4 years in college.

I'd put my money on incremental improvements year-on-year for the next 2-3 years, but I remain skeptical of his becoming significantly better than what he is now (i.e., going from backup to starter potential).

It's possible, but how often does it happen with 4-year college players already entering their prime NBA years?

If he does make the leap, this will be the year.

Delon's path is fairly unconventional though already. Read more about it here.

[Red_Claw]

Delon will be the highlight of 2017 - 2018 season.

[DreamTeam09]

I'm holding out anticipation for huge leaps in skill and ability in Wright, only b/c he's already 25 and will be entering his 3rd year without too much to show offensively after 4 years in college.

I'd put my money on incremental improvements year-on-year for the next 2-3 years, but I remain skeptical of his becoming significantly better than what he is now (i.e., going from backup to starter potential).

It's possible, but how often does it happen with 4-year college players already entering their prime NBA years?

If he does make the leap, this will be the year.

Older rookies can still come into the league and improve dramatically. The NBA will improve you. Especially a player like Delon who's game will improve greatly as his jumper improves.

[Basketball_Jones]

I'm expecting a solid showing from Wright this season, he hasn't had much opportunity to show other then the 905 league. But he's 25 and has pretty much spent 3 years preparing for actual consistent playing time. If he's not ready now, that would be sad.

[C_Money]

He's an upgrade over Cory Joseph. The offence runs so much smoother with Wright at the Point.

[RaptorsNorth]

The biggest issue with wright is his shooting. Right now I'd compare him to younger version of rondo with size until I see a consistent jump shot.

[Darkseid]

Zach Lowe believes in Delon Wright.

I guess we should too.

[yk24]

Its always better to keep low expectations from anything so that when that 'thing' performs well you are thoroughly surprised by its improvement. I think the same should be applied to our young guns!!

[Senbonzakura]

I think Wright is the only guy I see as an upgrade in this youth movement thing. Think he could be a lot better than CoJo and will bring a different mentality from the other guards we've had through these past few years (Kyle, DeMar, Lou, CoJo, Vasquez, Powell, etc) who've all been score-first types rather than pass-first. Really think Delon will look to get the guys in the second unit involved with his playmaking.

[Senbonzakura]

what do people think of the Lowry/Wright/DeRozan/Ibaka/Poeltl lineup that Casey used to trot out sometimes last season. May give us the extra ball handling that we lost with Joseph when Lowry slides over to the 2 and Delon and Jakob have that added chemisty.

I think it's very possible this could end up being our closing lineup.

[vini_vidi_vici]

what do people think of the Lowry/Wright/DeRozan/Ibaka/Poeltl lineup that Casey used to trot out sometimes last season. May give us the extra ball handling that we lost with Joseph when Lowry slides over to the 2 and Delon and Jakob have that added chemisty.

I think it's very possible this could end up being our closing lineup.

I find it hard to believe CJ/Norm wont be part of that. I think dependent on the size of the opposing 4, youre likely to see a KL/Norm/DD/CJ/Ibaka closing lineup.