Small-Time Basketball Report: Ex-Flyer Wright taking flight in D-League
Note: The Small-Time Basketball Report is Sam Amico's regular feature covering the NBA, the NBA D-League and pro basketball overseas.
It looks like former University of Dayton standout Chris Wright may be playing his way to an NBA return. Wright is a 6-foot-8 forward who's currently with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA D-League.
Scouts are enamored with his leaping ability and penchant to run the floor and finish at the rim. He's also a pretty strong defender.
Overall, Wright is a bit limited offensively, with so-so range on his jumper and weak passing skills. He also appears to be a man without a position -- a power forward who seems better suited for small.
Still, one NBA scout said there is no doubting Wright's energy, effort and athleticism, adding that Wright is among the top five D-League prospects, and perhaps top three.
Wright went undrafted out of Dayton in 2011. But once the NBA lockout ended in December of that year, he survived three rounds of cuts to land a spot on the Golden State Warriors' roster.
Wright played 46 minutes and shot 11-of-14 from the field for 25 points in his final NBA game -- the Warriors' final game of the season. It was also his lone NBA start.
-- Most NBA scouts consider Texas Legends forward Devin Ebanks the top D-League prospect. Ebanks spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
-- Idaho Stampede point guard Pierre Jackson is perhaps the most dynamic D-Leaguer. He is also its top scorer, averaging 27.9 points entering Saturday's game. Considering he scored 41 on Saturday, that average likely increased.
-- Jackson is in a strange situation when it comes to a potential NBA call-up. The 5-11 rookie was drafted out of Baylor by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round (No. 42 overall) in June. He was immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He never signed with the team, instead opting to play overseas. But he never played a game, returned home, and was selected in the D-League draft in November. As it stands, he's not under contract, but his rights belong to the Pelicans. It is believed they'd be willing to trade him for the old "future considerations" and maybe some cash.
-- Ex-Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jawad Williams was suspended a whopping three months by his French team for his role in a nasty fight. The suspension won't be lifted until March 30. Hat tip to Brendan Bowers of StepienRules.com and SLAM Online for passing that along.
-- NBA scouts are keeping an eye on Loyola (Md.) University guard Dylon Cormier. The 6-3 senior is among the NCAA's top scorers at just more than 24 ppg. He also grabs around six rebounds a game. Cormier could become a potential second-round pick, depending on how he fares the rest of this season and in pre-draft workouts, of course.
