Not that the Miami Heat-Boston Celtics rivalry needs any more seasoning — and what’s coming counts for little more than a pinch of salt in the pan — but it’s something.
It seemed like Miami’s Delon Wright was a natural fit when the Heat signed the 31-year-old point guard during the All-Star break. But, according to Bill Simmons of The Ringer, the Celtics wanted Wright before the Heat stepped in and offered him more playing time.
“The Celtics wanted [Delon Wright], by the way,” Simmons said on his podcast. “And Miami promised him playing time. So you know.”
“The Celtics wanted [Delon Wright], Besides. And Miami promised him playing time, so you know. – @BillSimmons pic.twitter.com/nX8PffJ8oE
-Dru (@dru_star) March 8, 2024
Wright, whose older brother Dorell played for the Heat from 2004 to 2010, had made it to Miami a priority even before agreeing to a buyout with the Wizards last month.
Beyond the family connection and familiarity with the organization, injuries in Miami’s backcourt have ensured Wright a spot in the rotation.
Wright played 35 minutes as a starter in his Heat debut on Feb. 26, then 17 minutes off the bench on the second night of a back-to-back, but has been out of the rotation over the past three games even though Tyler Herro and Josh Richardson remain sidelined due to injuries.
Wright has only played three minutes since his first two appearances. His reduction in playing time coincided with the return of Terry Rozier following a sprained right knee.
With Richardson likely out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery, there will be a time when the Heat will need Wright again. The Heat are well-positioned to climb the East standings and return to the playoffs as a top-six seed.
The top-seeded Celtics — with Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard cemented in the guard rotation — wouldn’t have been able to guarantee Wright the playing time he wanted (and ironically, they didn’t not been to Miami during this recent period).
Another playoff meeting with the Celtics could be coming, and with it, a ton of juicy stories. Wright choosing Miami over Boston would be low on the list, but it’s something.
