Delon Wright, Terry Rozier discussed at Miami Heat practice
MIAMI — As the Miami Heat welcomed a new-but-familiar face to practice on Thursday, coach Erik Spoelstra said the optimism with the team’s roster transcends the addition of Delon Wright from the buyout market.
In addition to Wright being part of the traveling party for the four-game trip that opens Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, the team said that guards Josh Richardson and Terry Rozier will travel.
Richardson remains out with a dislocated shoulder, his right arm in a sling, but there is optimism that Rozier could return from his knee strain during the trip.
“A lot of it was a big scare,” Spoelstra said of Rozier having to be helped from the court during the February 11 home loss to the Boston Celtics. “It is something, it’s a sprain. It’s not nothing. But it looked a lot worse than what it ended up being.”
Rozier appeared to be moving well as he walked the court after Thursday’s practice at Kaseya Center.
“He’s working through it,” Spoelstra said. “He’s had some very good days.”
Richardson and Rozier are listed as out for Friday’s game. Guard Tyler Herro is listed as questionable, due to foot discomfort, with guard Duncan Robinson listed as available, but will continue to play with a shoulder sleeve in the wake of his run-in with Jaylen Brown in that loss to the Celtics.
Also, Friday’s game will be the first back for Jimmy Butler, who has been away from the team since Feb. 11 due to a death in the family.
“He’s been working,” Spoelstra said. “He’s ready. He knows his body. He knows how to ramp up and get ready. He was in a great groove before that. He’ll be fine. And we need him. To do what we’re trying to do, we need him not only back, but in the mix and doing what he does best.”
Among the reasons Wright was brought in was as insurance for the team’s injury report.
But Spoelstra emphasized the 31-year-old veteran who last week took a buyout from the rebuilding Washington Wizards also fits a need.
“We feel fortunate that we were able to acquire him on a buyout,” Spoelstra said. “He has a skill set that just fits us. We’re all very familiar with him. I guess I’ve known him since he was 12. It’s crazy how fast time has been going.
“His defensive skill set fits for sure. He’s a very good playmaker. He can set up offenses. He likes to get guys involved.”
The brother of former Heat forward Dorell Wright, Delon Wright also played in Detroit as a teammate to current Heat assistant coach Wayne Ellington.
“Wayne played with him in Detroit,” Spoelstra said. “He’s one of his favorite teammates. And he’s a veteran. So to be able to get somebody that’s played, is in shape, that you can add to your rotation at this time of year without having to make a trade, I think is a big add on.”
Wright said it practically is a case of going full circle, having as a 12-year-old played on the Heat practice court while his brother played for the Heat. Among those Delon spent time with during those sessions were the sons of Heat players Tim Hardaway and Gary Payton, with both of those sons going on to NBA careers.
“And to be here now is just crazy,” Wright said. “I wish that I was here early in my career. Obviously growing up, watching my brother, watching D-Wade, I already knew about the Heat culture and what to expect. I’m just happy that I’m finally here, just one of those surreal moments.”
While there were overtures from other teams, Wright said the focus was on what turned out to be this prorated league-minimum deal with the Heat, simply too good of a fit to bypass.
“I’m excited,” he said, “because obviously playing against the Heat, they cause a lot of havoc. Guys are running all around, getting deflections, playing off of each other. That’s the way I like to play. I like to play freely on defense, within the system, just playing off your teammates.”
