While everyone paid more attention to the big names during the offseason, like All-Star wing Paul George signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Milwaukee Bucks quietly signed Delon Wright. According to an NBA analysis, though, this move was an underrated one and it could be beneficial for the franchise.
The Bucks signed Wright to a one-year deal worth $3.3 million a couple of months ago. Selected as the 20th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the guard brings a wealth of experience to a Bucks roster that aims to compete for an NBA championship.
Last season, Wright played for the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards, averaging 4.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 47 games. He showcased his shooting ability with a field goal percentage of 39.4% and a three-point percentage of 36.8%. Over his nine-year career, he has appeared in 508 regular-season games, posting averages of 7.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while also contributing defensively with 1.2 steals per game.
Wright’s addition comes after a challenging playoff run for the Bucks, where they finished third in the Eastern Conference with a record of 49-33. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers, a series marked by injuries to key players, including All-Star point guard Damian Lillard and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Sports Illustrated Highlights Milwaukee Bucks’ Decision to Sign Delon Wright
While no one has seen Wright in action yet for the Bucks, there’s hope already that he can be productive for the team, especially on the defensive end. This is analyzed in article by Sports Illustrated’s Cody Smith.
Wright, who projects to be one of the first players off the bench in Milwaukee’s rotation this season, was singled out for praise this week by longtime NBA reporter David Aldridge. Appearing on Tuesday’s Hear District podcast with Bucks legend Marques Johnson, Aldridge talked up Milwaukee’s free-agent pickups, specifically Wright.
“I like what they [Milwaukee] did in the offseason, especially with Delon Wright. He is so underrated. He’s still so smart. He’s still so effective defensively. I call him KOD — King of Deflections. He will deflect balls out of bounds and jack up the other team’s offense. You’ll love it.”
This move addresses previous issues with backup point guard play and adds a strong defensive presence. Wright, who has experience with teams like the Washington Wizards and Miami Heat, offers valuable depth without straining the Bucks’ budget. This signing is seen as a smart, low-risk addition for the upcoming season.
As the Bucks look to bounce back, Wright’s veteran presence and skill set could play a pivotal role in enhancing the team’s performance. His experience in high-pressure situations may prove invaluable as Milwaukee aims to make a deeper playoff run in the upcoming season.
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