Dorell Wright: Next Generation Power Forward?

Five straight games with double digit scoring.

Five straight games with 30 minutes or more.

Four of those five straight games he is shooting over 50%.

Sporting his baby mohawk, looking more like a dorsal fin, Dorell Wright is averaging 16 points and 8.3 rebounds on 53% shooting and 100% FTs. He is even 3/4 from three point range over his last two games - which coincides with the arrival of Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

There is no doubt that Dorell Wright's game is expanding. He has a solid handle, he can pass the ball and he is starting to develop a more consistent outside shot. If he can add a three point shot to his arsenal, he might be the most dynamic Heat player since Lamar Odom.

What is interesting to note is how the trade seems to be affecting Wright. One would think that Shawn Marion's arrival would dry up his playing time but instead it has helped to expand it. Some of that has to do with Udonis Haslem being injured, but also because of the injury Miami might actually start thinking about going and doing something more unconventional - and maybe moving Dorell Wright over to power forward.

Wright has been spending time on the floor with Marion and the Heat have been going with Mark Blount at center. Some would contend that Wright is not big enough to play power forward but he is 6'9" and 210lbs while Udonis Haslem is 6'8" and 235lbs. Udonis used to have a weight problem, Dorell Wright is the opposite. Very straw like.

Yet look at a guy like Chris Bosh. He is 6'10" 230 lbs and although only a year older, is putting up pretty good numbers. Dorell Wright is still growing. He shot up a few inches this past year and is still growing into his body - he hasn't reached his full adult growth potential yet. I know, sounds kind of weird, but at 22 the kid is still growing - like his game.

Wright has the wingspan to matchup with players taller than himself, but he also has the athleticism to chase after players much smaller too. He can also handle the ball a bit and Riley has toyed with the idea of using him as a point guard at times in the past. More importantly, Wright seems to be benefiting from playing with Marion and the offense is more suitable now to his style of game and development. When Haslem comes back, which may not be until well after the all star break, there may be a bit of a squeeze for playing time for Wright, but Riley could also deal Haslem. That, of course, would be an indication of the way Riley envisions things from now on.

But let's get back to the idea of Wright at power forward. Currently, he is playing small forward while Marion is at power forward but what difference would it make when Haslem returns? Wright could still slide in at either position to keep getting him playing time. The other thing to consider is, the Heat are high on Alexander Johnson and he could be used as a conventional power forward if the Heat actually did deal Haslem.

What makes the Heat really roll the dice and give them increased flexibility will be determined by Riley's daring in conceiving Wright at PF. If he can do that, then maybe the Heat will not only score more cap space, but they might even be able to increase depth in an area of need they desperately need it - point guard.

Essential Reading:

Wright Finally Settles In