Bucks Guard Sizes Up Celtics While Citing His Value

Bobby Krivitsky | Oct 1, 2024

May 1, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat guard Delon Wright (4) goes to the basket past Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the first quarter of game five of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images / Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

While the Bucks' core still has championship potential, age and injuries invite skepticism about what they'll accomplish this season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the 2024 playoffs due to a calf strain, Damian Lillard missed time during Milwaukee's opening-round series against the Pacers, and Khris Middleton hurt his ankles landing on opponents' feet, including against Indiana, resulting in two surgeries.

To the Bucks' credit, despite limited roster flexibility and trade chips, they found ways to upgrade their roster, acquiring Gary Trent Jr., Delon Wright, and Taurean Prince. They also drafted six-foot-nine forward Tyler Smith, who played for the G League Ignite last season, with the 33rd overall pick in this year's draft.

At media day on Monday, when asked about the value he'll bring to his new team, Wright pointed to his performance in the Heat's first-round series against the Celtics in the 2024 playoffs.

"Just to talk about the Celtics team, I do a good job of guarding all four of those guards: Tatum, Brown, Holiday, and White. I feel like, for the most part, they're trying to pick on matchups, so with me being able to switch 1-4 with them and sometimes against Al Horford switching on him when he's on the perimeter, I feel like it just adds to what I can bring to the team," said Wright at Bucks media day.

Wright averaged 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 60 percent from the field and converting no 60 percent of his 2.5 three-point attempts during Miami's five-game first-round series against the Celtics.

Further Reading

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Lonnie Walker IV Shares Brad Stevens' Message & Outlook on Exhibit 10 Deal

Derrick White Voices His Loyalty to Boston After Signing Extension

Brad Stevens Gives Honest Thoughts on Celtics’ Sale & Luxury Tax Penalties

Jayson Tatum Discusses Balancing MVP and Title Chase and His Excitement to Start Over

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