Four silver linings from a disappointing Wizards season
By Cem Yolbulan
Delon Wright has been one of the most efficient players in the league on top of his elite defense.
In the 47 games Delon Wright played this season, the Wizards are 25-22. When Delon Wright is on the court the Wiz score 116 points per 100 possessions as their opponents score 113.8. This +2.2 point differential for a whole season would be ninth-best in the NBA. If Wright had not missed the 29 games in the middle of the season, the Wiz would have been in a completely different spot right now. Having gone 9-20 in that stretch sunk their season.
The rare moments that the Wizards looked like a scary team came when Delon Wright was healthy and playing. He brings much-needed defensive playmaking and intensity. He does not take anything off the table on offense, as he is a very efficient scorer, a good offensive rebounder, and a decent passer and playmaker. He is a stabilizing force for a team that can look discombobulated at times on both ends of the floor.
Not only is he a productive player on the court, but he is also a good veteran, leader and teammate, and he will be key to building a defensive identity for this team. Building a reputation as a franchise that good veterans around the league want to play for could prove consequential in the future when trying to attract free agents.
It will be of utmost importance for the Wizards to get as much as they can from Wright to achieve their goals. Having him for one more year for $8 million is a bargain deal and the Wizards should try to extend his contract. He is a keeper.