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Pete’s Perspective: Training Camp, Day 3

Santa Barbara, CA - Once opponents in a state championship game, Marc Gasol and Brandan Wright are now teammates trying to share a championship instead of wresting it away from their adversary.

The record shows that Wright’s Brentwood Academy team beat Gasol’s Lausanne Lynx in that title game. In fact, Brentwood won four straight state championships – a Tennessee first.

Since that game, their paths have diverged: Gasol to Spain to play in the ACB before being drafted by the Lakers and subsequently traded to Memphis; Wright was drafted by Charlotte, then traded to Golden State after one season at North Carolina.

Gasol has been an All Star twice while Wright has dealt with his share of adversity: limited playing time, an injured shoulder that shelved him for the entire 2009-10 season and a frequent trade piece. Since starting his career with Golden State, he’s been with the Nets, Mavericks, Celtics and Suns.

Statistically speaking, his best years were as a Dallas Maverick with their high-powered offensive game that stressed transition and easy scores. While in Dallas, Wright once blocked seven shots in a single game.

Wright, bolstered by familiarity of playing for his home state’s NBA team and a relationship with fellow former Maverick Vince Carter, has blended quickly into the Grizzlies team.

When asked who has impressed him most in this camp, Gasol answers without hesitation, “Brandan Wright, somebody I really like. He brings a different dimension to what we do. He will help us a lot.”

Wright is listed as 6’10”. He’s thinner and slightly shorter than Kosta Koufos, Gasol’s previous backup. Wright is a strong competitor and what he lacks in bulk on the post, he makes up with quickness and positioning. He figures to be an excellent rim protector and will give the Grizzlies some extra speed and length off their bench.

Gasol, and the rest of the Grizzlies, hope that Wright and Gasol can lift a trophy together this June.