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Julian Wright hopes to make next step in progression


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Wright hopes to make next step in progression

"Julian Wright has been mistake-prone and slow to adjust to Coach Byron Scott's demands the past two seasons, but he appears driven to improve this upcoming season.

 

When the Hornets begin play this fall, Wright said he wants to be counted on to average at least eight points and four rebounds per game -- both of which would be career-highs.

 

Instead of waiting for training camp, Wright wants to make an impact as a member on the Hornets' summer league team.

 

Starting Sunday against the Spurs, the Hornets will play a five-game schedule that will extend for nine days in Las Vegas. Joining Wright on the team are first-round draft pick Darren Collison and second-round selection Marcus Thornton.

 

"I want to be counted on in certain areas and provide certain stats," Wright said. "I want to be productive in terms of just playing aggressive. I can't be passive. I have to look for shots more."

 

Wright's athleticism has helped, but his biggest setback has been inconsistency. At times, Wright has appeared to have the same problems developing as former Hornets players J.R. Smith and Brandon Bass did in their first two seasons, before they moved to other teams and became productive.

 

Last December, Scott said Wright had regressed since his rookie year in 2007-08, because he was struggling to grasp offense and at times didn't know where to line up. Those problems forced him out of the rotation for the first three months of the season.

 

But Scott eventually regained confidence in Wright, who averaged a season-high 23.6 minutes in March. Wright averaged 14.3 minutes per game, 4.4 points and 2.8 rebounds.

 

Regardless of what happens in summer league, Wright remains in the Hornets' plans. Unlike this past season, when Wright alternated at power forward and small forward, he will play exclusively at small forward during summer league.

 

"I think we've been very patient with Julian, and I think his development is coming," Scott said. "But my expectations of Julian might be a little higher than he expects or can handle."

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http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-4/1247232013280070.xml&coll=1

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Man, I love JuJu. No homo. All the guy does is play his hardest every single minute of PT he gets. Insane athlete and his length makes him a pretty good defender. Offensive game is coming along. I really wish he'd get more PT. :/

Edited by kadillak
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