Hornets expect more from Wright | Truth&Rumors

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07:26 AM ET 09.15
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As a rookie last season, Hornets forward Julian Wright played in 57 games and averaged 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds. If Wright duplicates that performance this season, Hornets Coach Byron Scott will not be impressed. Scott expects more. If Wright cannot deliver, he could get considerably less playing time than the 11.2 minutes he averaged last season. "He understands what I want from him," Scott said this week. "He understands the type of pressure that I am putting on him. It's all up to him. I'm not going to give him minutes -- he'll have to earn them." With the Hornets projected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference, Wright has increased his expectations. Wright, 6 feet 8, was the Hornets' first-round pick in 2007 from Kansas. After a slow start, he adapted to the NBA by midseason and took minutes from veteran swingman Rasual Butler. Wright can handle the ball, drive to the basket and effectively defend. The Hornets are going to need Wright to maximize those skills, because Scott does not want to depend on only top free-agent signee James Posey to carry the second unit.

New Orleans Times-Picayune

Byron Scott, Chris McGrath/Getty Images

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September 15, 2008 07:53 AM ET

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After what he showed in the last half of the season, Wright deserves more minutes. Not bad to have around. He could be the sixth man. He showed consistency w/ outside shots and explosiveness around the basket.

Guam Baller

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September 15, 2008 10:01 AM ET

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Wright will be replaced by The Bird Man, to have The Bird Man and Chandler on the court at the same time, total chaos!!

domepatrol

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September 15, 2008 12:13 PM ET

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1st All NBA Fannation Team results are in.

Come vote for the 2nd team.

http://fannation.com/blogs/post/249860

Joe Dew

Idaho Falls , ID

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September 15, 2008 01:09 PM ET

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It is so refreshing to hear a coach want more from his players..........
not just give the typical 'he's young & needs time to develop' speach

good for byron

jgb

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September 15, 2008 01:43 PM ET

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Doesnt every coach want more for players

Joe Dew

Idaho Falls , ID

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September 15, 2008 02:39 PM ET

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Hey Domepatrol, Bird Man flew to Denver this off season. They think he and Nene can exuse them for handing Camby to the Clips.

J Wight looks like a Boris Diaw clone if you aks me. Put him at the 4 position and run an offense through him (he's a great passer) he's give you 5 or 6 assts a game a be quick enough to take other 4s off the dribble. Also like Diaw, very incosistent from outside and plays like an allstar just enough to tease you into thinking he can depended on. Since the Hornets have Chris Paul to run the offense through as the Suns have Nash, his skill set is best suited to come off the bench and provide a marjinal contribution.

sunswin

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September 15, 2008 09:53 PM ET

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i think they basically got an older version of julian wright with james posey but julian wright can definately be a better player than posey also i just cant get that youtube vid of him failing to dunk that was awesome

drMcNinja

Philadelphia , PA

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September 15, 2008 11:01 PM ET

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He's got so much potential.

ahung: The Last…

Santa Clara , CA

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September 16, 2008 01:45 PM ET

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This is why Scott is/was Coach of the year. He sees the potential in this guy. He had some moments in that Spurs series. His quickness, shooting ability & slashing really caused the Spurs to play him closer and didn't allow Bowen to double West or Chandler in the post. If this guy steps up this season and contributes---there gonna go further this year. I like their squad, especially w/ Posey in the mix, he should show the young guy how to win at this level which will only make Wright a complete player...

D SUN

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September 16, 2008 02:24 PM ET

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Julian Wright needs to impess him in practice if he wants more PT. At 11 minutes a game, he's just getting warmed up when he gets pulled again. Sounds like Byron isn't ready to trust him for long stretches. For young players, that trust is built at practice. Byron says the minutes won't come first so he must expect to see something away from gameday.