Grading the Toronto Raptors’ offseason pickups
By Staff
Feb 22, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Utah Utes guard Delon Wright (55) looks for an open teammate during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Delon Wright (PG 4 year/$7.3 mil): B
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Wright was a respectable pick by Ujiri and his staff. He has not shone, nor has he failed to impress. Wright posted 9 points, 9 assists and 2 steals in his Summer League debut and showed great capability as a defensive-minded guard.
If the Raptors were specifically looking for a point guard in the draft, Wright was definitely the best available.
It’s true, Bobby Portis, Rondae-Hollis Jefferson and Justin Anderson were all still available (Anderson being my personal choice), but it’s well-known that finding a quality point guard is much more difficult than finding a decent forward.
To put it in perspective, wright had a better Defensive Rating, 87.7, than any point guard selected before him. His best strength for the Raptors is his defence, without a doubt.
Still, his shooting is currently the most worrying aspect of his game. Shooting 37.5% from the field is not the best sign, yet I expect Wright to be a decent contributor and learn to fix his shot with more experienced offensive coaches, and the guidance of his vet, Kyle Lowry.
Next: Cory Joseph