Dallas Mavericks: A closer look at how Delon Wright got to Dallas

Dallas Mavericks guard Delon Wright has been an important piece of the team’s success. Find out more about the do-it-all acquisition.

The Dallas Mavericks have won 17 of their first 24 games this season. Luka Doncic is fueling the charge, but Delon Wright has been an important piece of the success. Here is why fans should be thankful that the Mavs traded for the 27-year-old.

Early years

Delon Wright was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He went to Leuzinger High School. Russell Westbrook also attended the school. Wright led the basketball team to the California state championship and he was named CIF Southern Section Division 1A Player of the Year in 2010.

Amateur career

Despite the success he had in high school, Wright did not enroll in a massive university. His academics led him to the City College of San Francisco. The guard played two seasons there and decided to commit to Utah over Washington, Washington State, Gonzaga, and Saint Mary’s.

In Delon’s first season with the Utes, he rapidly became one of the best players in the Pac-12 Conference because of his all-around play. By the end of the year, Wright was in the top ten in scoring.

Delon Wright became the first Ute to be named first-team All-Pac-12 and All-Defensive team. He thought about declaring for the 2014 NBA draft but instead opted to return for his senior season.

Wright again played well in his final college season averaging 14.5 points, 5.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.0 block per game. He earned All-Pac-12 and All-Defensive team honors for the second year in a row. Wright quickly began preparing for the 2015 NBA Draft.

NBA days

Delon Wright was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the draft with the 20th pick. He then signed his rookie scale deal and joined them for the summer league.

Wright shuffled back and forth between the G-League and the NBA during his rookie season. He closed the year with a 19-point performance in a win over the Pacers.

Wright dealt with a shoulder injury in his second season. His minutes increased to 16.5 per game, but his role was inconsistent.

Delon grew to get more minutes with the team every year until he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 7, 2019, in a blockbuster deal that saw Marc Gasol head to Toronto.

Delon Wright spent the rest of the season with the Grizzlies where he broke out. The point guard averaged 12.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. He closed the campaign with three consecutive triple-doubles.

The Mavericks acquired Wright in a sign-and-trade last summer. They gave up two second round picks to acquire the two-way guard.

Conclusion

Delon Wright has managed to gain the trust of Rick Carlisle and the coaching staff quickly. He provides playmaking, rebounding, and stellar defense to the Mavs. Wright is never afraid and gives the team a necessary presence when Luka is resting on the bench.

All Dallas Mavericks fans should be thankful to have Wright on their team. He has helped the team a ton already and will be an important piece of their success going forward.