Brandan

Wright

Wright has had a few flashes of utility this season, but not nearly enough to get excited while he’s buried in the rotation, relatively speaking.

Just like Delonte West, Rick Carlisle said that he’d like to get Haywood minutes on Thursday against the Heat. It might take some time for Haywood to find his groove after six games off, but he’s progressing in the right direction and appears very close to a return.

Brendan Haywood will start and play as many minutes as he normally does, but the real winner here is Brandan Wright, who is an intriguing spot-starting option with a sweet spot in deeper formats.

Wright got a nice one-game opening with Ian Mahinmi missing tonight’s game due to the birth of his child, but Mahinmi is expected to play on Saturday against the Grizzlies. That leaves Wright as a deep league option, at best.

Mahinmi will return to his backup center role, hampering the value of Brandan Wright in the process. Brendan Haywood’s minutes stay relatively consistent, regardless of what is going on around him.

He hasn’t looked very good tonight and if his night is over, he’ll finish with one point in 10 minutes. Brandan Wright would get most of Dirk’s minutes if he doesn’t return.

Wright could be active as soon as Tuesday’s game against the Wizards. With Brendan Haywood (ankle) also nearing a return, Ian Mahinmi’s run of fringe value is coming to an end.

We envisioned this type of game due to the Warriors ridiculously thin interior defense, so don’t go upgrading your overall outlook too much due to this night. He’s still worth a look if you’re hunting blocks, or looking for a big man in deeper formats.

Wright has taken a step or two forward this season, and appears to have surpassed Ian Mahinmi in the rotation as the Mavs’ reserve big man when they go small. Of course, Lamar Odom’s exit was key to Wright’s window opening, and he is now worth a look in 12-team leagues for those needing a big or blocks.

This is notable because starter Brendan Haywood played just eight minutes and was not in foul trouble. Wright had 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, and has really played well for the Mavericks this season. Wright has played between 27-36 minutes in four straight games and has double-digit points in three of his last four and is also averaging 2.0 blocks per game over that span. Wright should be owned in 12-team leagues for owners who need a big man capable of blocking shots.