ATLANTA — Delon Wright is aware of what’s coming.
The Knicks are getting wholesome, and his prolonged run as the place to begin guard is about to finish. Jalen Brunson is predicted to return Sunday towards the Phoenix Suns. Cameron Payne rejoined the rotation Saturday after lacking 4 video games with a sprained ankle. Miles McBride is nearing a return from a groin pressure. The logjam on the place is returning — and Wright, ever the skilled, is getting ready for a change in position.
If he even has one.
“It’s cool to play extended minutes, but I’m excited to see what we look like healthy. Jalen back, Deuce, Cam — we’ll see.”
Wright referred to as it “surreal” to begin for the Knicks, particularly after spending his first month in New York parked on the finish of the bench.
“I really didn’t think I would ever get this chance — especially with not playing the first 15 games I was here,” he mentioned. “But injuries happen. And I got a chance to play. It was cool.”
Cool, and quietly important.
The commerce that introduced Wright to New York — a deadline deal that despatched Jericho Sims to Milwaukee — initially puzzled followers. The Knicks have been skinny up entrance with Mitchell Robinson nonetheless rehabbing his ankle. One other heart appeared like the plain want.
As a substitute, they doubled down on the backcourt.
And it paid off.
Wright stepped in when the Knicks misplaced Brunson, McBride, and Payne in fast succession. In his final 5 begins, he averaged 9.6 factors, 3.6 assists, and shot 38.9% from three. The numbers don’t soar off the web page, however the influence has been clear — significantly on protection, the place Wright has helped anchor the purpose of assault.
“I sacrifice myself on the offensive end so I can play on the defensive end to a high level,” he mentioned. “Sometimes I do wanna score more, but I’ve gotta put my energy on the defensive end until I get into better shape. But yeah, that’s what I want to bring: defense to this team. Other guys’ roles are to score.”
Karl-Anthony Cities has been considered one of Wright’s greatest supporters.
“He’s been fantastic, and we expect nothing less from him,” Cities mentioned after Saturday’s win. “He’s been doing that his whole career. He’s built for these moments, and he puts the work in. It’s a testament to his professionalism and who he is as a player.”
Wright is aware of what’s subsequent. When Brunson returns, the present belongs to the Knicks’ All-Star. Minutes will shrink, perhaps disappear. Roles will change.
However Wright additionally is aware of what he’s confirmed: that he can nonetheless contribute, nonetheless compete, and nonetheless assist a contender win.
