A Farewell to Julian Wright

by Rohan on Aug 21, 2010 4:30 AM CDT in Analysis

Julian Wright had to have been one of the most confounding fellows in Hornets history (it's amusing to me that Courtney Alexander, for all y'all that remember him, also wore #32). He's a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped inside a dude that can jump really high. He's a guy that will shoot 56.2 eFG% one year and follow it up with a 56.7% free throw percentage the next. He's a chap that drives us all mad. It's sad that the following, now famous video would turn out to be such a good predictor of Julian's career.. but it certainly has.

Jump with me.

Three years after the fact, it's clear the commentary in that clip is just too perfect:

"Julian Wright! Playing some D!! And then it's showtime! JULIAN WRIGHT!! OOOOOAAOOAAOO!! NO!!! OHOHOHOHO ... AHAHAHAAHAHA!!!"

That's the most eloquent description of Julian Wright's career arc, ever.

We've reached the point now where JuJu is basically an afterthought in the league He refused to play in Vegas, against Monty Williams' requests, he played a relatively awful season, and he regressed almost across the board. Even the most optimistic and ridiculous trade dreamer-uppers don't consider him an asset any more.

This story isn't really meant as a defense of Wright. Yeah, sure, he's still insanely athletic, but his play doesn't warrant much defending. Instead, it's more about his situation in the league and how he's perceived. For example, consider the following comparison:

Player	Age	PER	TS%	eFG%	Reb%	Ast%	Tov%	ORtg	DMult
Guy	22	13.1	52.2	50.7	10.7	8.5	14.9	102	0.899
Dude	23	12.7	52.2	48.2	9.6	8.1	12.6	102	0.987

In this situation, Dude is OKC's Jeff Green and Guy is Mr. Wright. All stats are career stats, except for DMult (which is B-P's proprietary defensive statistic and is 2009-2010). Green is considered a pretty integral part of OKC's plans for global domination, while Guy, aka Wright, was barely considered a bit player in New Orleans' desperate plans to possibly scratch out a first round victory and appease Chris Paul. As we look at these rate statistics, it's clear that Wright has outperformed Green. And yet, it's Green that's gotten significantly more minutes and far more positive publicity. Just last week, I read a news story grouping Green into Oklahoma City's "Big 3."

But comparing a mediocre player to another subpar, overrated player doesn't exactly prove anything. So what's the point here?

The point is, in three seasons, Julian Wright never found a fit in New Orleans. Coaching, his own motivation, and many other factors can be blamed. But if Toronto can convince him to keep working hard behind the scenes, Wright, potentially under contract until 2014, will surely have one more chance.

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Always Loved Juju

It was only heightened when, before the start of the Hornets and Spurs game here in San Antonio last March (I believe), he actually not only signed an autograph for all the fans waiting for him near the visitor’s tunnel, but actually stopped and had a conversation with my girlfriend and I because we were wearing Hornets jerseys. And she was wearing his. He and Sean Marks actually had a legitimate 5 minute conversation with us, including asking if we had driven in for the game, subsequently asking us how we could deal with Spurs fans (funny), and asking us nice places to eat after the game that they hadn’t heard of.

I mentioned it in the James Posey thread the other day, but I never wanted a player to succeed as much as I did Julian Wright. I think after that Nets game in 2008 (y’all remember which one) and his subsequent performances in the postseason that we all expected Julian Wright to be the guy to replace Peja Stojakovic as the small forward of the future. It didn’t work out that way and that’s upsetting.

Meanwhile, Courtney Alexander? Man you’re bringing me back with that. Nobody was capable of scoring 20 points three straight games and scoring 20 accumulated points over a 10 game span!!

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 21, 2010 9:44 AM CDT reply actions

I'd say...

Julian Wrong had his chances in N.O.
If you are serious about staying in the league ,
you need to perfect your game. If you can’t do something well(dribble , pass . shoot) then at that level you will quickly get exposed. You can usually tell the players who work on their weaknesses in the offseason , because they come back with more tools. When I see someone make it to the league and not do what it takes to improve , then I take that as disrespecting the game I have loved and played since the age of five. It is all about heart , and a player who is too lazy to improve on his weaknesses ; well I don’t want them on my team…Adios Mofo as the governor of Tejas once said.

by 3ptace on Aug 21, 2010 9:55 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

I stayed optimistic about Julian...

for a long time. Then I realized that it just wasn’t going to happen. But hey, at least being in the NBA gives him money to buy all the recording equipment he’ll need for the records he’s trying to make right?

by QueenBee on Aug 21, 2010 12:23 PM CDT reply actions

He probably focused more on his recordings

Than his NBA game. He sees the NBA as an oppurtunity to get his name out there for his recording studio, and if it works all the best to him.

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by Grayson on Aug 21, 2010 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Talented loser

The world is littered with people who have more talent (be that jumping ability and long arms or brains or muiscal ability) that lose out big time to lesser talents that have a plan, work hard, keep focused, and never give up. JuJu is a prime example.

by NOEngineer on Aug 22, 2010 8:24 AM CDT reply actions

I couldn't agree more....

…. I put a lot of time and effort into the pro camps I played in. I didn’t have the luxury of a rap career to fall back on either(like Master P).
600 shots a day…. I have no sympathy for people with natural gifts who don’t use them.

by 3ptace on Aug 22, 2010 9:10 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

How Can Y'all Sit There

And say what he did and did not do in practice? Seriously.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 22, 2010 9:33 AM CDT reply actions

I Mean

Sure he didn’t improve but y’all are sitting and saying “he didn’t try” and there’s no way of any of you to even know that.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 22, 2010 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

Maybe he didn’t attend the summer league’s due to some new casino phobia. :)

As far as the lack of improvement, it could just be he doesn’t possess enough brain cells.

Need a fantasy fix? Come visit http://www.fantasycafe.com/ for all your basketball, baseball and football needs!

by RedHopeful on Aug 22, 2010 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

He Went To The Summer League Three Straight Years

It would have benefitted him in the eyes of the coaching staff if he had went, but it’s kind of ridiculous to assume it would have made him make big improvements on his talents if he had went. But given the others posts on here, kind of ridiculous is an improvement.

I’m surprised to see that Byron Scott’s not getting any criticism for his handling of Wright in this matter.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 22, 2010 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions

Scott deserves blame....

….but he was gone early last year and JuJu had a chance to start. I get it that you think he is a nice guy , but to quote someone(I forgot who) “the saddest thing is wasted talent”…..he is just content to be getting a check…..same thing with Jamarcus Russell.

by 3ptace on Aug 22, 2010 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

JaMarcus Russell

Continued to gain 6,000 pounds an offseason, couldn’t read defenses to save his life and played a direct hand in a coach getting fired.

Julian Wright couldn’t shoot and just lacked assertiveness. I think there’s a big difference.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 22, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Although We'll Both Agree

That Julian Wright has A LOT of wasted talent.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 22, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

We don't always have to agree....

….but I do enjoy the discussion. Passion translates rather easily to those who witness it. The fact that you and I are both here yapping about it in the offseason says something about us.

by 3ptace on Aug 22, 2010 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

lol That's True

I’m kind of a personable fan. I guess because, being a fan of the Chargers, Hornets and A’s, I don’t get to celebrate many championships so I learn to really enjoy certain players on my teams. At the end of the day, we both will agree that he had to go and the fact they were able to get a better player and one who fit a position of need was a huge win for Dell Demps.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 22, 2010 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions

A's won a 'ship with Reggie Jackson....

….didn’t they? I get what you are saying though. I think Belinelli was an upgrade , but what if this move lights a fire under JuJu and Belinelli breaks his hand in a nightclub brawl or something?? I am hopeful that doesn’t happen , but we shall see in a few months.

by 3ptace on Aug 22, 2010 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah They Did

The A’s are the only team I cheer for that has won championships. I’m only 22, though, so I never have been able to watch any of my teams win.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 22, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

because what you do....

…. or don’t do shows up in your game. Basketball isn’t something that people are innately born with. The skills are learned by repetition and putting in the work to get better. You think someone is born a good shooter or a good passer? It is all about putting in the work….most of y’all seem to geek out over stats…..what picture do the stats give of JuJu’s development? A person with that much God-given ability could DOMINATE this game if he was a triple threat. He isn’t even a single threat. What he didn’t do is evident. He didn’t put the work in to become a better shooter or passer….unless you think he is holding back for some reason?

by 3ptace on Aug 22, 2010 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions

I Don't At All

In fact, he got rave reviews about his passing. The only thing he seemed to lack to me was a jump shot and an ounce of self confidence on the court. But, as someone who played the game and has been around (I.E. directly involved with a team) in some capacity for the last 16 years, it’s completely unfair to assume that because someone can run and jump that they should dominate the game.

Obviously he didn’t make many improvements. I don’t have a problem with you guys calling him a no talent hack or calling him someone who couldn’t shoot or anything like that. But y’all are saying that he didn’t practice or didn’t want to improve and there’s NO WAY any of you know that regardless of what self fulfilling excuses you use.

He’s not on the team anymore. Don’t be bitter towards him.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 22, 2010 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Sorry my man....

….that doesn’t fly. Shooting is a fine motor skill that is developed by practicing over and over and over. The only reason ANYONE can’t improve is effort. The only thing I am bitter towards is that simple fact that he obviously didn’t put the effort in to get better(and it isn’t reserved just for him either)….If the Hornets or any other pro team were paying me to play a sport , then I would give that effort. If I happened to LOVE the sport , then I guess it makes it that much easier….perhaps that is the difference.

by 3ptace on Aug 22, 2010 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Possibly

I’ve seen guys put in hours to try and improve a jump shot but it doesn’t always translate to actual game time. Unless you’re a personal confidant of Julian’s and you have seen his effort or have been aroudn him so much to know how he feels about the game of basketball, it’s just completely arrogant to sit behind your keyboard and say what someone you don’t know personally did or didn’t want out of the game of basketball.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Aug 22, 2010 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Perhaps....

….not the first time I’ve been called that(arrogant). We’ll just agree to disagree about JuJu’s work ethic.

by 3ptace on Aug 22, 2010 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Didn't say anything about practice....

However, I never saw any evidence in his play that he made the effort to:

1) Learn disciplined defense. He was constantly losing his man and leaving him open for the easy shot.
2) Put himself in position (by cutting, rolling, etc.) to get easy shots. It was always a surprise when he got near enough to the rim to slam it home.
3) Develop a normal shooting motion.

All I’m saying is that there is a minimum level of mental discipline that is needed to succeed at any endeavor, and I never saw that on display in his game. I also never sensed in him (in his public statements) any recognition that his lack of success might be in some part his fault, or under his control in any way. Very similar to JR Smith, who did manage some degree of success after his first slap-down. I hope JuJu can wake up and play decent for Toronto.

by NOEngineer on Aug 22, 2010 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Perfectly said

by Rohan on Aug 22, 2010 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm with Wayne

Julian wasn’t necessarily a terrible shooter. When you miss a jump shot by 3 feet than it is obviously not mechanics that are getting in the way. The man just could not flow with the game. He was constantly too worried about his play to ever play up to his potential and I blame BYRON SCOTT for that. Byron Scott couldn’t develop young talent if his life depended on it and he has shown that to be true many, many times unless your name is Chris Paul and let’s be honest, I could come up with a game plan that dictates Chris will touch the ball 90% of the time and everyone will follow his lead.

by CP3forMVP on Aug 22, 2010 1:38 PM CDT reply actions

Julian couldn't....

take a spot from an older slowing down Peja. Byron can shoulder some of the blame but Byron had been gone since November and Julian still couldn’t get it together. After Byron was fired Julian tweeted something that led me to believe he would be more confident and more ready to play but that didn’t happen. He had his moments sure, but most times the guy didn’t look like he knew what the heck he was doing out there. Most times he didn’t even run the floor with confidence. He just looked spazzed most of the time. LOL! Other than being a great dunker and pretty good defender, Julian hardly resembles a basketball player. Maybe he’ll do better in Toronto.

by QueenBee on Aug 22, 2010 1:49 PM CDT reply actions

That's a funny video...

and Julian ended up with 4 points? LOL. What the h*ll happened there? Did he get a cramp or something? LOL! Julian didn’t even do a pre-draft workout for the Hornets. I wonder if he had would it have made a difference in the Hornets drafting him or not.

by QueenBee on Aug 22, 2010 1:56 PM CDT reply actions

Julian and Marks

That’s a great story told by MrWayne Keller about Julian and Sean Marks and meeting them in San Antonio before a game. It’s always good to hear about any time the players are that personable with fans. To be honest with you, it doesn’t surprise me at all in the case of those two men.

I know people have various opinions about Julian the basketball player – obviously many are not good – but he was a first-class guy 100 percent of the time when dealing with the media and fans (from what I saw in the latter case). The same applies to Sean Marks. I felt like Julian always had many people in his corner while he was in New Orleans; I imagine some of it was the fact that he was always so positive in dealing with people.

by Jim Eichenhofer on Sep 1, 2010 12:40 PM CDT reply actions