Dorell Wright is a lot like Trevor Ariza

[Poe]

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/The_Poe/dorell_wright2-1.jpg?t=1271137199

 

Dorell Wright's averages this season:

 

20.5 minutes - 7 points (47% FG, 40% 3PT, 88% FT), 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks

 

Per 36 minutes - 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.8 blocks

 

 

 

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/The_Poe/trevor_ariza_1257268198-1.jpg?t=1271137212

 

 

Trevor Ariza's averages for LA in the 08-09 season:

 

24.4 minutes - 8.9 points (46% FG, 32% 3PT, 71% FT), 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.3 blocks

 

Per 36 minutes - 13.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.5 steals, 0.4 blocks

 

 

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Similarities:

-They are both from Los Angelas

-They got drafted the same year

-They play the same primary position, and have similar height and weight

-Had 60 made threes in their respective years after having made no more than 5 in any of their previous seasons

-Had a career high in games played, Ariza with 82, and Wright expected to play in his 72nd game Wednesday

-Had trouble maintaining significant roles on their teams until that year

-Have similar statistics in every category during that year

-Averaged the 6th highest amount of points per game on their teams

-Relied on as spot up jump-shooters and as athletic finishers at the rim

-Similar roles in feeding off of superstar playmakers, Ariza off of Kobe, and Wright off of Wade

-Are versatile and can play multiple positions

 

 

Differences:

-Wright was drafted out of high school, and Ariza spent one year in College

-Statistically, Wright is a more accurate 3 point and free throw shooter than Ariza

-Statistically, Ariza is a better ball hawk than Wright

-Ariza played 10 more games than Wright, and started in 19 more games as well

-Ariza was a journeyman, getting traded from three different teams before finding a good role with the Lakers

-Wright stayed with the Heat for all of his career thus far, though had his own troubles with injuries hindering his development

-Though both can play SG, SF, and PF, Wright is capable of both playing and defending the PG position as well, and often acts as a point-forward for the Heat

[Flash]

Dorell's passing is so underrated. He's made some of the best passes out of anyone on the team this year. I didn't watch too much of Ariza in LA so I don't know too much about that part of his game. IMO Dorell has a little bit better handle and is a terrific passer.

[Clutch]

great post, and I always felt this way as well - i just wish dorell would get more minutes as he deserves

[Poe]

Dorell's passing is so underrated. He's made some of the best passes out of anyone on the team this year. I didn't watch too much of Ariza in LA so I don't know too much about that part of his game. IMO Dorell has a little bit better handle and is a terrific passer.

I completely agree. Odd thing is, Ariza averaged more assists. Perhaps it was due to the team he was on, who knows.

 

Dorell has shown the ability to create off the dribble this year. He has very good court vision, especially off the pick and roll. You never really know what he's going to do with the ball. He'll drive to the basket and you'd expect him to attempt a layup, then he'd dish out to a wide open teammate on the wing or by the basket. Reminds me a little of D Wade at times. The 1.3 assist per game numbers are very suspect, you'd think he'd average more.

 

great post, and I always felt this way as well - i just wish dorell would get more minutes as he deserves

I feel the same way. The guy is finally tapping into his potential and showing some maturity on the court, and seems to be outplaying Richardson. Perhaps he'll get a larger role in the playoffs like Antoine Walker did in the 05/06 season.

[KurbyFX]

You forget Ariza > on defense.

[Dash]

Interesting that you bring up Wright's passing game. Ariza's playmaking ability is highly underrated by Rocket fans, I'd say he's our best passer next to Lowry.

 

And agreed with the above, Trevor can be a lockdown defender sometimes.

[Flash]

Interesting that you bring up Wright's passing game. Ariza's playmaking ability is highly underrated by Rocket fans, I'd say he's our best passer next to Lowry.

 

And agreed with the above, Trevor can be a lockdown defender sometimes.

 

Ariza's length and athleticism do make him a very good defender. Dorell may not be quite the defender but he's a more than adequate defender for us. Dorell's passing is just as good but he doesn't get the same numbers because Wade has the ball in his hands most of the time.

[Dash]

^Ah I see. Both are extremely similar players though. The only differences between the two are that Trevor is the better defender and Wright is a much, much better dribbler.

[Poe]

^Ah I see. Both are extremely similar players though. The only differences between the two are that Trevor is the better defender and Wright is a much, much better dribbler.

And a better jumpshooter. Though I haven't watched Ariza play as much as you, I think it's safe to assume that Wright is the more talented offensive player, and Ariza is the better overall defensive player.

 

 

Both have had very similar careers in terms of timing with their success, and interestingly enough, Dorell will be a free agent next year just like Trevor was the year after his time with the Lakers. It'll be interesting to see if teams see the same similarities and give Wright the same kind of opportunity as Ariza, as much as I'd hate to see him go. Hopefully Riley still believes him to be a core piece and takes him back with a starting role next year.