Wright Time

It's about time, that is all I have got to say. For three long, agonizing years - as a fan, of course - we have all sat and watched the Heat grab success on the court with Wright on the bench.

Ok, so I shouldn't act like a spoiled brat here, but how many of us can honestly say that this was the right choice back in 2004 when Riley selected Dorrell Wright with the 19th pick? And can we honestly look the other way when cross-state rival Magic have watched Jameer Nelson, available to the Heat back in that draft, blossom?

No, we can't. But we can focus on Wright and his potential - and for once, it isn't just talk for overly-positive Heat fans. We no longer have to make excuses for the kid and for Riley, and frankly, we couldn't any more anyway.

Riley has to play Wright. He has no choice. The Heat are banged up, and getting older and have very little athleticism on this team among their starters (of course, excepting Wade). This is a good thing because Riley would probably have Wright shackled to the bench still if Jason Williams was healthy. Heck, Wright wouldn't need a warm up jersey, but a set of diapers.

And so the injuries free Wright from the bench, and this is the right time to see him log some minutes.

Tonight, against the tough perimeter offense of the Supersonics, Wright was able to log 27 minutes and score 9 points on 3-6 shooting. He also grabbed 5 rebounds, dished 6 assists, had a steal and blocked 2 shots.

This kid's length and athleticism is what has drawn comparisons to Tracy McGrady, but now he is maturing into his body and his role. The expectations are there for him to produce, not just from the hopeful fans who have circled him as their sleeper picks for their respective fantasy teams, but also for his head coach who seems to be up for the challenge of entrusting a young player with a larger piece of the pie.

Several pundits have proclaimed the Heat all but dead and citing their increasing age and lack of athleticism as reasons for their demise. A player like Wright is the key component to squashing such talk as he is a skilled, yet raw, player that can help the Heat overcome certain mismatches along the perimeter.

And he is only going to stand to get better.

Wright is still raw, like a puppy that hasn't quite grown into his body yet, but he has the instincts of a pedigree NBA killer. He makes plays. His best friend on the team is Dwyane Wade, who wants to see him grow up more than anyone.

Now, is the Wright time. Time to get answers on what the Heat drafted on that fateful day back in 2004.