Canzano: Blazers F Dorell Wright Ready For Bench Role, Open To Playing Stretch-4

John Canzano of The Oregonian pens a column on new Portland Trail Blazers forward Dorell Wright, covering topics from life as a father to his role in Portland next season.

Wright talked on Friday about signing with the Blazers. While he believes he'll compete for a starting position, Wright is the rare NBA player who isn't disillusioned, out of touch, or simply here to say what he thinks he's supposed to say so you'll like him. Wright said, "I know what I can do. I know what I can bring. But I see myself as a guy who comes in off the bench; knocking down threes, being a stretch-four."

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"When you're coming off the bench, you gotta be ready right away, you gotta have 2-3 heat packs on your legs and be ready at all times. You gotta be ready, you always gotta be ready."

Audio of an interview between Canzano and Wright that aired on 750 AM The Game can be found right here.

Last week, Wright discussed his role and expectations with Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune.

"I want to come off the bench," he says. "When training camp starts, I'll get in there and compete, but the guys who have been here have already established themselves. They've been playing well the past few years. (The Blazers) struggled because they didn't have a strong bench. I don't think that will be the case this season."

Wright says his versatility will pay off for the Blazers. "I'm a 1 through 4, to tell you the truth," he says. "I'm a point forward. I make plays for my teammates. I can shoot the 3. I can be an undersized 4, pick and pop and put pressure on the defense with outside shooting."

The Blazers signed Wright to a two-year deal reportedly worth $6 million back in July.

Wright, 27, averaged 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game off the bench for the Philadelphia 76ers last season.

A first-round pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Wright has spent his nine-year career with the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and 76ers. He led the NBA in three-pointers made and attempted in 2010-11 with the Warriors and is a career 36.7 percent three-point shooter.

PS Thanks to Andrew Challoner in the FanShots.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter