Lorenzen Wright was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 13 seasons. He was born on November 4, 1975, in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Booker T. Washington High School, where he played basketball. Wright was a standout player in high school and was named a McDonald's All-American in 1994.
After high school, Wright attended the University of Memphis, where he played college basketball for two seasons. In his sophomore year, he averaged 17.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game and was named the Conference USA Player of the Year. Wright then declared for the NBA draft and was selected seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1996.
Wright played for the Clippers for four seasons before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2000. He played for the Hawks for two seasons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2001. Wright played for the Grizzlies for five seasons and was a key player on the team during that time. He was known for his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities and was a fan favorite in Memphis.
In 2006, Wright was traded to the Sacramento Kings, where he played for one season before being traded back to the Grizzlies in 2007. He played for the Grizzlies for one more season before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2008. Wright played for the Cavaliers for one season before retiring from the NBA in 2009.
Throughout his NBA career, Wright was known for his defensive skills and was a solid rebounder and shot-blocker. He averaged 8.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game over his career. Wright was also known for his charitable work off the court and was involved in several community organizations in Memphis.
Tragically, Wright's life was cut short when he was murdered in 2010. His body was found in a wooded area in Memphis, and his death was ruled a homicide. The case remained unsolved for several years until 2017, when Wright's ex-wife was charged with his murder. She pleaded guilty to facilitation of murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Despite the tragic end to his life, Wright's basketball career was a successful one. He was a solid player who was respected by his teammates and fans alike. His legacy lives on in Memphis, where he is remembered as a beloved member of the Grizzlies organization.
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