Name: Julian Wright
Age:  20
Height:  6-9
Weight:  211
College: Kansas (So.)

Strengths/Weaknesses:

Wright showed nice improvement during his two years at Kansas, increasing both his scoring and rebounding from his freshmen to sophomore season. His skills and physical features (including a huge wingspan) make him look like a lock to be a top-ten selection. For a guy his size he?s deceptively fast, and has terrific foot work in-and-around the basket.

Far as long as his name has been mentioned in mock drafts people have criticized his below-average shooting abilities. It seems as though his shot is the only thing keeping him out of the top ten this year, as many people believe the rest of his skill set warrants a much higher selection than people are projecting.

Marquee Performances:

In a mid-February win over Missouri this season Julian broke out, scoring thirty-three points and grabbing twelve rebounds for the Jayhawks. From that point forward Julian seemed to play much more consistently, and his shot starting falling with much more regularity.

Wright also played well in his two meetings with Kevin Durant and the Texas Longhorns. Kansas beat Texas both times the teams met, and Julian averaged eighteen points and just over ten rebounds per game for the Jayhawks. He went 16-for-27, putting to rest some of issues with his shot once again.

Ideal Fit:

I feel the New Orleans Hornets are the ideal fit for Wright, mainly due to the talent they have on their current roster. Wright could blossom with a point like Chris Paul and an interior consisting of Tyson Chandler and David West. He?d share time Peja Stojakovic, who has no problems with his shot, which might take pressure off Wright. That would allow him to focus on doing what he does well, rather than trying to become some kind of sharpshooter.

Best Case:

Shawn Marion, Phoenix: Like Marion he?s freakishly athletic, but in order to become comparable to the Suns stat-stuffer he?ll have to develop more of an outside shot. A lot of teams have looked at him based on athleticism alone, which reminds me of when Marion came out of UNLV.

Worst Case:

Desmond Mason, New Orleans: If the Hornets draft him as I suggested he?ll become the teammate of Mason, another player who relies on athleticism but has yet to break-out in the League. All that Wright should be hoping for is to fall somewhere in-between Marion and Mason.

Do you want Julian Wright on your team? ? Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com