Mavericks assistant helps backup center develop the Wright touch

Posted Monday, Feb. 04, 2013 0 comments  Print Reprints
A

Have more to add? News tip? Tell us

OKLAHOMA CITY -- When Brandan Wright arrived in Dallas from the New Jersey Nets, his shooting range wasn't much to talk about.

Now the Mavericks' backup center has frequently stepped outside the paint and dropped in one 12-footer after another. And coach Rick Carlisle can thank developmental coach Brad Davis for Wright having his shooting range extended.

"He lives with Brad Davis -- those guys are inseparable," Carlisle said before Monday's game against Oklahoma City. "They work extremely hard.

"Brandan's gotten a lot better in the two years that he's been with us in large part because of the work that Brad's has done with him in his shooting. His outside shot has gotten better."

Wright, who averages 7.5 points and 3.2 rebounds, also has improved another area of his offensive game that has allowed Carlisle to turn to him more often.

"He's increased his range and he's a much better pick-and-pop player than he was when he came to us," Carlisle said. "He works hard and he stays ready and we love him.

"He's a great kid. He's stepped up in a lot of big moments for us this year."

Wright was a first-round draft pick (eighth overall) of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2007. But the Bobcats shipped him to Golden State in a draft-day trade, and he stayed with the Warriors until they traded him to the New Jersey Nets in February 2011.

The Mavs signed Wright to a free-agent contract in December 2011 with the purpose of him helping clog the middle defensively. But now that he's added an offensive game, all the more better for the Mavs.

"I think I can play period," said Wright, who is shooting 62.3 percent from the field. "I think I'm a good enough player to be out there every night.

"I'm just waiting for my opportunities."

Special night

The Mavs will host their annual African American Heritage Night on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. when they play the Golden State Warriors.

A special ticket can be purchased and includes a pass to the postgame party in the Audi Club. A portion of the proceeds will go toward scholarships provided by the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations and the United Negro College Fund.

The featured attraction will be a halftime performance by the world-famed Grambling State University marching band.

For more information, call Gail O'Bannon at 214-747-6287.

Carter out sick

Forward Vince Carter missed his first game of the season Monday with an illness.

Carter is one of the Mavs' more productive players with averages of 12.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 25.2 minutes. He also is shooting 42.5 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from 3-point range and 83.1 percent at the free-throw line, the second-best mark of his career.

Guard O.J. Mayo is the only Mavs player who has played in all 48 games.

James waits his turn

Rookie center Bernard James never thought he could step right in and earn significant playing time, especially because he was behind Chris Kaman and Elton Brand.

"These are great players," James said. "These are All-Stars, former All-Stars that are out here playing. So I've just got to work on my game and get better, and that's what I've been doing the whole time."

Dwain Price, 817-390-7760

Twitter: @DwainPrice

Looking for comments?

We welcome your comments on this story, but please be civil. Do not use profanity, hate speech, threats, personal abuse, images, internet links or any device to draw undue attention. Comments deemed inappropriate will be removed and repeated abusers will be banned. NOTE: If you log in using your Twitter account, your comments will be signed using the name on your Twitter profile, NOT your Twitter user name. Read our full comment policy.



Tuesday, May 21Full Scoreboard
NY Yankees2Final(10) | Box
Baltimore «3
Detroit «5Final | Box
Cleveland1
Chicago Cubs4Final | Box
Pittsburgh «5
Tampa Bay «4Final | Box
Toronto3
Minnesota4Final(10) | Box
Atlanta «5
Philadelphia «7Final | Box
Miami3
Cincinnati «4Final | Box
NY Mets0
Oakland «1Final | Box
Texas0
Boston1Final | Box
Chicago WSox «3
Kansas City «7Final | Box
Houston3
Los Angeles2Final | Box
Milwaukee «5
Arizona4Final(10) | Box
Colorado «5
Seattle0Final | Box
LA Angels «12
St. Louis «10Final | Box
San Diego2
Washington2Final(10) | Box
San Francisco «4
Full Scoreboard
Tuesday, May 21Full Scoreboard
Memphis89Final(OT) | Box
San Antonio «93
Western Conference Finals, Game Two. San Antonio leads series, 2-0.
Full Scoreboard
Week 1Full Scoreboard
Sunday
Miami 8:00 PM ET
Dallas TV: NBC
Full Scoreboard
Tuesday, May 21Full Scoreboard
Boston «2Final | Box
NY Rangers1
Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game Three. Boston leads series, 3-0.
Los Angeles1Final | Box
San Jose «2
Western Conference Semifinals, Game Four. Series tied, 2-2.
Full Scoreboard