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Q&A;
INTERVIEW. Jonathan Marshall PHOTO. Keith Major
The Come Up
Golden State Warriors swingman Dorell Wright certainly has a lot to say when it comes to this year’s Most Improved Player Award. Even though he didn’t win, he set career-highs in games played (82), points (16.4), rebounds (5.3), assists (3.0) and steals (1.5). And by raising his scoring average by a league-best 9.4 points per game, he became the fi rst player in NBA history to score more points in his seventh season (1,344) than the previous six combined (1,332). The L.A. native also set a franchise record – and led the NBA – by making 194 threes this year.
Wright spent his fi rst six seasons in Miami learning the ropes behind All-Star Dwyane Wade. Going straight to the pros out of South Kent Prep (Conn.), the 6-9, 205-pounder had to go through some growing pains before he fi nally arrived, but he wouldn’t trade it for the world. At the end of the season, Dorell spoke to us about fi nding his ideal situation with the Warriors, what the future holds for the franchise and just how close he was to going pro playing America’s other favorite pastime.
Dime: With everything you went through early on in your career in Mi-
ami, what does this breakout year mean to you? Dorell Wright: It means a lot to me. You know, I’ve been through a lot. Being in Miami, up and downs with injuries and playing time. Finally getting an opportunity to step in and have a big role on this team has been great. My main goal was trying to be consistent and be healthy the whole season.
Dime: What sparked your increased production this year? DW: It’s just a system (Golden State) that fi ts me best. Their style
of play with getting up and down, a lot of three-point shots, you know. The only thing I really did this summer was extra shooting. Monta [Ellis] and Steph [Curry], they attract a lot of attention, so I knew I would have a lot of open shots. So I really emphasized making a lot of shots around the perimeter.
Dime: How would you describe your experience in Miami? Do you have Q&A;
any regrets? DW: I have no regrets about being in Miami. That’s where I learned how to be a pro. Miami is a great organization. Pat Riley did a great job with developing me, taking a chance with me and also being patient as well. Working with Keith Askins; the assistant coach that I grinded with every single day for fi ve years straight. They were great. They kept me on that straight line.
Dime: What was it like playing in Golden State? DW: Man it’s great being in Golden State. Their fan base is always
incredible. You know Bay Area fans are some of the best fans in the NBA. They are very supportive with every single sport that’s here.
Dime: What does the team need to do to make the playoff s in the Western
Conference? DW: The number one thing is guys staying healthy and being consistent. They signed David Lee. Steph and Monta will be here for another few years. [Andris] Biedrins and Ekpe Udoh. It’s a young group of guys and I think we can grow with each other. I see a bright future for us – especially next year. With the experience we got, everybody knows everyone now. We know what it takes now to go out there and play each and every night.
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Dime: What are your plans for the off season? DW: Staying here and doing work with my foundation (D Wright
Way). Get that out there to the community. My foundation is about helping out the inner-city and single-mother homes. Other than that, working on my game. There are a lot of things I need to improve like a post-up game, just getting better with my shot and being more consistent. I just want to come back next season ready to play.
Dime: And did I read that your son’s name is Devon Quentin Dwyane
Wright? How did this come about? DW: I named him after my closest boys, Dwyane Wade and Quen- tin Richardson; two guys that really took me under their wings. Quentin was a guy who knew me in high school, used to come watch us play when he played with the Clippers – him and D- Miles (Darius Miles) – so I’ve been knowing him for years. I spent a lot of time in Chicago where they’re from, going to the gym and working out. They’re guys that really gave me a lot of advice. Being a father, being a role model and the way they carry themselves. I gave them the opportunity to be my son’s godfather. That was pretty cool.
Dime: Now you actually grew up playing baseball and were scouted by
Major League teams. Why did you decide on hoop? DW: There was a certain time it came to me where you had to put your eggs in one basket. My dad was pretty upset because I made the decision without him being around. I was getting attention from college coaches coming out to see me play. I was getting a lot better and I knew basketball was something that I really wanted to do. Being 6-6 my senior year in high school, I decided I’m going to do basketball. It’s a sport you can get to the top quicker. There’s a lot of things you have to go through playing baseball.