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Brandan Wright Injury: Updates on Grizzlies Forward's Knee and Return
Memphis Grizzlies big man Brandan Wright left Saturday’s game against the Phoenix Suns with a knee injury, which on Monday the team revealed was a sprained MCL.
Continue for updates.
Grizzlies GM Comments on Wright’s Recovery
Monday, Feb. 29
Wright will not require surgery to repair his knee, but he will be out "indefinitely."
Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace offered no specific timetable in a statement on the forward-center's recovery: "This is an unfortunate development for Brandan and our team. Brandan had been playing his best basketball of the season recently and showing the positive impact he has on our roster. We expect a full recovery and will have further updates when appropriate."
Because of lingering soreness that kept him out since Nov. 7, Wright was playing in just his fifth game since returning from surgery in December to the same knee.
He missed 47 games in his absence and discussed his recovery just last week, per Memphis Grizzlies Fan:
Last offseason Wright signed a three-year, $17.1 million contract with the Grizzlies, his sixth team since being drafted eighth overall by the then-Charlotte Bobcats in 2007.
He’s only averaged 16.5 minutes per game in his nine-year career but has tallied a 60.8 career shooting percentage. This year, he’s averaging 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 17.7 minutes in 12 games.
The Grizzlies already lost All-NBA first-team center Marc Gasol to season-ending foot surgery on Feb. 20.
They'll now be turning to Zach Randolph, Chris Andersen and JaMychal Green at center as they hope to extend their franchise-record streak to six straight playoff berths. At 34-24, Memphis is currently fifth in the Western Conference but is clinging to a playoff spot by only six games.
Randolph, Andersen and Green have varied playing styles, which could help the Grizzlies dictate matchups. But there’s no denying Memphis is losing breathing room with another serious injury to Wright.