WRIGHT'S ALL STAR MENTORS
October 6, 2009

If one is judged by the company he keeps then the perception of Julian Wright has undergone an extreme makeover.

The Chicago, IL native returned home following a disappointing 2008-2009 season and worked with Michael Jordan’s former trainer, Tim Grover, to add weight, strength, and confidence to his game.

“I’ve worked real hard on shooting, catch and shooting, and worked with Tim (Grover) to improve my overall game. The real key was the pickup games. I played against a bunch of all stars. LeBron (MVP), Gilbert Arenas (3x all star), Michael Finley (2x all star), (Dwyane) Wade (4x all star), and Andre Iguodala (all star slam dunk participant). Iguodala is one of my mentors, always pulling me aside and talking to me about life.”

His defense improved by playing against the polished and speedy Arenas. His work ethic also improved being around the other stars.

“It’s all about competing and playing. I was working out 4-5 times a week but never got tired. I put on 15 pounds (he now weighs in at 240) and it stuck on me through training camp in Lafayette, so it’s not a fluke!”

But perhaps the all star who will have the greatest influence on the Hornets new starting small forward is his teammate, David West.

“David always pulls me aside to give me tidbits of advice. He’s vocal. When he says something it’s meaningful. You may see me becoming a player who can take pressure off of him as another option out there. He’s telling me to shoot it…follow through…things like that. I think he sees I can blossom in my third year like he did in his third season.” (West had more points/rebounds/assists and steals in his third season than in his first two NBA seasons combined).

His new bond with West may be one of the first benefits earned by the Hornets’ decision to hold training camp away from New Orleans this month.

“It just kind of happened,” says the 6-8 Wright. “We were around each other a lot at training camp in Lafayette. That gave us a chance to talk a lot about sports, entertainment…everything.”

Obviously, the decision to move “JuJu” into the starting lineup replacing Peja Stojakovic changes the look of the Hornets and the approach of their 2007 first round draft pick.

“It’s a privilege to start because now you have to set the tone every game and at practice you have to be ready to improve and lead and be more vocal. I have to be more aggressive and not hesitant. But, I’m not trying to be a superstar. I want to be a threat and help open up opportunities for Chris (Paul) and David (West).”

After a subpar sophomore season in the NBA many pundits believed that the coming season was critical for one of the most athletic players on the Hornets roster. Julian obviously agreed.

“I still haven’t taken a vacation since the end of last year’s playoffs,” says the 22-year-old. My confidence is different than it was. I think that comes with being in the league two full seasons. I know what’s expected of me. It’s easier when you know what’s expected of you. I know my role and I’m just going to try to play hard, defend, and do the little things to help the team.

As serious as Wright’s demeanor appears to have become over the past few months he still possesses plenty of youthful exuberance off the court.

“I have found an outlet away from basketball with my music and poetry.”

Poetry?

“Yeah, it’s not really a hobby it’s more about making music, singing, writing, and bringing out the arts side of me. It helps me have more balance, stay grounded and focused. But it’s strictly on the side. I know basketball is my job and that’s what I’m focusing on now.”

Who knows, after rubbing elbows with multiple NBA all stars this summer maybe we’ll catch Wright’s “poetry in motion” on the court.