Brandan Wright facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Brandan Wright

Wright with the Dallas Mavericks in 2012
Personal information
Born	(1987-10-05) October 5, 1987 (age 37) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
High school	Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, Tennessee)
Listed height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight	235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
College	North Carolina (2006–2007)
NBA Draft	2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
Selected by the Charlotte Bobcats
Pro career	2007–2018
Career history
2007–2011	Golden State Warriors
2011	New Jersey Nets
2011–2014	Dallas Mavericks
2014–2015	Boston Celtics
2015	Phoenix Suns
2015–2018	Memphis Grizzlies
2018	Houston Rockets
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-ACC (2007) ACC Rookie of the Year (2007) ACC All-Freshman Team (2007) ACC tournament MVP (2007) McDonald's All-American (2006) 2× First-team Parade All-American (2005, 2006)

Brandan Keith Wright (born October 5, 1987) is an American former professional basketball player. He grew up in Tennessee and quickly became a star at his high school, Brentwood Academy. There, he won three "Mr. Basketball" awards, which was a first for any player in Tennessee.

After leading his high school team to four state championships in a row, Wright joined the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's basketball team. In his only year as a Tar Heel, he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Rookie of the Year. He also earned a spot on the All-ACC Second Team. In the 2007 NBA draft, Wright was picked eighth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats. On draft night, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors.

Early Basketball Years

Brandan Wright was born and grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. In high school, he was chosen twice for the first-team Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team. This award recognizes the best high school basketball players in the country.

During his senior year, Wright averaged 22.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.1 blocks per game. He also achieved four triple-doubles. A triple-double means a player gets double-digit numbers in three different stats, like points, rebounds, and assists.

Wright won Tennessee's Division II Mr. Basketball award in 2004, 2005, and 2006. He was the first player ever to win this award three times in Tennessee high school basketball. He led his Brentwood Academy team to win four state championships in a row. This was also a first in Tennessee high school basketball history.

Experts like Rivals.com thought Wright was a top player. In 2006, they listed him as the best power forward and the third-best player in the entire nation.

College Basketball Career

Wright played one season at the University of North Carolina. He played in 37 games and started every one. On average, he scored 14.7 points per game and shot 64.6% from the field. He also grabbed 6.2 rebounds and blocked 1.76 shots per game.

His 64.6% field goal shooting was the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). It was also the best ever for an ACC freshman. Wright led his team in blocks and was second in scoring and rebounding. He scored 20 or more points eight times during the season.

Wright scored double-digit points in his first 18 games as a Tar Heel. This was a rare achievement for a freshman. He was named the MVP of the ACC Tournament, becoming only the fifth freshman to win this award. Wright also earned the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year award.

College Statistics

Professional Basketball Career

Golden State Warriors (2007–2011)

Wright playing for the Warriors in 2009

After his freshman year, Brandan Wright decided to enter the 2007 NBA draft. The Charlotte Bobcats chose him with the eighth pick. However, on the same night, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors. This trade involved the Warriors sending Jason Richardson to the Bobcats.

Wright missed some games in his first season due to an injury. In his rookie year, he played 38 games and started 6 of them. He averaged 4.0 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. In January 2009, he hurt his left shoulder during a game.

In October 2009, Wright had surgery on his left shoulder and missed the entire 2009–10 season.

New Jersey Nets (2011)

On February 23, 2011, Wright was traded to the New Jersey Nets. He joined the Nets as part of a trade that sent Troy Murphy to the Warriors.

Dallas Mavericks (2011–2014)

On December 9, 2011, Wright signed with the Dallas Mavericks. He had a great game against the Houston Rockets on March 24, 2012, where he blocked a career-high seven shots. He was the first Mavericks player since 2008 to block so many shots in one game.

In the 2011–12 NBA season, Wright averaged 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. He shot a team-best 61.8 percent from the field. Wright made his first NBA Playoff appearance in April 2012. He re-signed with the Mavericks in July 2013.

Boston Celtics (2014–2015)

On December 18, 2014, Wright was traded to the Boston Celtics. This trade was part of a bigger deal that sent Rajon Rondo to the Mavericks.

Phoenix Suns (2015)

On January 9, 2015, Wright was traded again, this time to the Phoenix Suns. In one game for the Suns, he scored 16 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and tied his career-high with 7 blocks.

Memphis Grizzlies (2015–2018)

On July 9, 2015, Wright signed a three-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. He faced more injuries during his time with the Grizzlies. He missed most of the 2015–16 season due to a knee injury.

In the 2016–17 season, he had surgery on his left ankle and was out for two months. He returned to play in January 2017. Wright also missed time in December 2017 with a groin injury. The Grizzlies waived him on February 10, 2018.

Houston Rockets (2018)

On February 12, 2018, Wright signed with the Houston Rockets. He played only one game for them before being waived on March 23, 2018.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular Season

Playoffs

Player Style

Brandan Wright said that his favorite player growing up was Kevin Garnett. He also admired Chris Bosh's playing style. Wright was known for being a great scorer close to the basket. He was especially good at finishing shots right at the rim.

Personal Life

Brandan Wright has two younger brothers, Brian and Trevor. Brian played basketball at Lipscomb University. Wright has helped with many community projects. These include opening a new learning center and visiting children's hospitals.

He enjoys bowling, fishing, golfing, and playing video games. His favorite actor is Will Smith, and his favorite movie is Bad Boys II. When he was younger, Wright played baseball as a pitcher. He likes fried chicken and steak. His favorite sports teams are the Atlanta Braves (baseball), Nashville Predators (hockey), and the Tennessee Titans (football). He wears a size fourteen shoe.

See also

In Spanish: Brandan Wright para niños

• 2006 high school boys basketball All-Americans