Minnesota Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale today announced the team has recalled guard Bracey Wright from the Florida Flame of the NBA Development League (D-League). The Flame is the Timberwolves' D-League affiliate for the 2005-06 campaign.
It marks the second call-up for the 6-3, 210-pound guard this season, after originally being summoned by the Wolves on Jan. 10, before being re-assigned to Florida on Jan. 31. Wright made his NBA debut on Jan. 24 against Detroit, scoring five points. In two appearances with the Wolves, Wright averaged 3.0 points and 4.0 minutes per game.
Wright started 30 games for the Flame this season, averaging 22.0 points (.461 FG%, .800 FT%, .427 3FG%), 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 37.6 minutes per game. The rookie from Indiana University led the D-League in scoring and minutes and was 7th in assists.
Wright, who was assigned to the Flame by the Wolves on Nov. 3, was taken by Minnesota in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft (47th overall). He averaged 7.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 17.0 minutes per game in starting three games for the Timberwolves' 2005 Minnesota Summer League entry. He registered 5.7 points, 1.0 rebounds and 18.2 minutes per game in six preseason contests this fall.
Wright was an early entry candidate for the draft after spending three seasons at Indiana (2002-03 – 2004-05). The guard left Indiana ranked 15th all-time in scoring with 1,498 career points and tied for third with 186 career three-point field goals made. As a junior last season, the native of The Colony, Texas, led the Big 10 in scoring (18.3 ppg), while posting 25 or more points on seven occasions. He posted a season-high 32 points vs. Michigan State.
InsideHoops.com Editor Says: The Timberwolves are banged up with a few guys hurt, thus this move. They're not making the playoffs, so the season is winding down. As for next season, they need a legit star to play alongside Kevin Garnett, and better role players. Expect a shakeup this summer. Though, the moves better have purpose, or Kevin Garnett's not going to be happy and fans will hold signs up of Sam Cassell's face while openly sobbing.
