Wiz of Awes
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2023-24 Washington Wizards superlatives: Best scorer, defender and more

By Cem Yolbulan

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards and Deni Avdija #9 talk with head coach Wes Unseld Jr. during the game against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on February 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards and Deni Avdija #9 talk with head coach Wes Unseld Jr. during the game against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on February 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
(Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /

Most underrated: Delon Wright

NBA players who aren’t flashy or athletic, and don’t score a lot of points tend to get underrated. Delon Wright is the perfect description of a player who regularly goes under the radar. He does whatever is necessary for his team to win basketball games, and those things usually don’t show up in the box score. There is a reason the Wizards were 26-24 last season when Delon Wright played and 9-23 when he didn’t.

Wright was one of the most impactful Wizards last season. The team was 6.5 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court than off. His impact was most felt on the defensive end, as the Wizards allowed 4.3 points per 100 possessions fewer when he was playing. This is due to his elite defensive playmaking, communication, and effort. He was not only the leader of the bench units, but he also led by example through his hustle, demonstrated by his impressive steal and offensive rebounding numbers.

As a veteran journeyman who played for seven different teams in eight seasons, Wright was never given the attention he deserved as a player. This is mostly due to the unfortunate circumstances of playing in non-contender teams. If the Wizards decide to hold onto him for another year, he will likely have another solid but under-the-radar season. As much as Wizards fans would love to have him around and set an example for the young players, it may be time for him to compete for championships and get the love he deserves.

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