Brandan Wright

Brandan Keith Wright (born October 5, 1987) is a retired American professional basketball player who last played for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Growing up in Tennessee, Wright fast became a standout at his high school Brentwood Academy, earning three "Mr. Basketball" titles, a feat no player at any level had ever done in Tennessee. After leading his high school team to four consecutive state championships, Wright was eventually recruited by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's basketball team. In his lone season as a Tar Heel, Wright was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year, and earned All-ACC Second Team honors. In the 2007 NBA draft, Wright was chosen eighth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats, and in a draft-night trade was dealt to the Golden State Warriors for guard Jason Richardson.

Early years Wright was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. In high school, Wright became a two-time first-team Parade All-American selection at Brentwood Academy.

College career Wright appeared in thirty-seven games in his lone season at the University of North Carolina, starting all and averaging 14.7 points on 64.6% field goal shooting, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.76 blocks per game. Wright was named to the NCAA All-East Regional Team after averaging 12.8 points and 7.0 rebounds in four Tournament contests.

College statistics

Professional career

Golden State Warriors (2007–2011)

Wright became an early candidate for the 2007 NBA draft after his freshman year at the University of North Carolina. Of the thirty-eight games Wright played during his rookie season, he started in six.

On October 14, 2009, the Warriors extended Wright's contract until the end of the 2010–11 NBA season. Wright damaged his left shoulder capsule during practice on October 2, 2009. He underwent shoulder surgery and missed the 2009–10 season.

New Jersey Nets (2011) On February 23, 2011, Wright was traded to the New Jersey Nets along with Dan Gadzuric in exchange for Troy Murphy and a second round pick.

Dallas Mavericks (2011–2014) On December 9, 2011, he signed a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Wright recorded a career-high seven blocked shots in a win at Houston on March 24, 2012. He became the eighth player in Mavericks history to record seven blocks in a game and the first since Erick Dampier in 2008. Wright matched the block total posted by the entire Rockets' team. Wright averaged 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 16.1 minutes per game in the 2011–12 NBA season. Wright scored in double figures 13 times and shot a team-high 61.8 percent from the field. Wright made his NBA Playoff debut in Game 1 at Oklahoma City on April 28. Wright scored his 1st career playoff point on a free throw attempt in Game 2 against the Thunder.

On July 25, 2013, Wright re-signed with the Mavericks.

Boston Celtics (2014–2015) On December 18, 2014, Wright was traded, along with Jameer Nelson, Jae Crowder, a 2015 first-round pick, a 2016 second-round pick and a $12.9 million trade exception, to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Rajon Rondo and Dwight Powell.

Phoenix Suns (2015) On January 9, 2015, Wright was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for a protected 2015 first-round pick via the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wright would get 16 points, 8 rebounds, and tied a career-high 7 blocks while starting in a close 74–72 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Memphis Grizzlies (2015–2018) On July 9, 2015, Wright signed a three-year, $17.1 million contract the Memphis Grizzlies. After injuring his right knee on November 7, 2015, Wright missed the rest of the 2015–16 season bar a five-game stint in February.

Wright returned to the Grizzlies' line-up during the 2016 preseason, but after injuring his left ankle, he was sidelined for the start of the 2016–17 season. On November 16, 2016, he underwent a successful arthroscopic debridement of his left ankle after non-surgical interventions failed to eliminate his posterior tibialis tendinopathy. He was subsequently ruled out for two months. He made his season debut on January 30, 2017, against the Phoenix Suns.

Wright missed the majority of December 2017 with a groin injury. On February 10, 2018, he was waived by the Grizzlies.

Houston Rockets (2018) On February 12, 2018, Wright signed with the Houston Rockets. On March 23, 2018, he was waived by the Rockets.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Player profile Wright himself has said that growing up, his favorite player was Kevin Garnett and that he is also a fan of Chris Bosh's game and models some of his playing style from the two. Wright's biggest weakness seemed to be his strength, as well as his sporadic defensive efforts. Wright has participated in various community outreach projects associated with the Golden State Warriors, including the opening of a new Reading and Learning Center at Megan Furth Academy in San Francisco. Wright has also taken part in the team's Thanksgiving Food Distribution event, made a visit to Children's Hospital in Oakland, and visited sessions of the Warriors Basketball Camp. Wright enjoys bowling, fishing, golfing, and playing video games. Wright's favorite actor is Will Smith and favorite movie Bad Boys II. Wright was a pitcher when he played baseball in his youth. He has said his favorite foods are fried chicken and steak. His favorite teams in other sports are the Atlanta Braves (MLB), Nashville Predators (NHL), and the Tennessee Titans (NFL). He wears a size fourteen shoe.