Jerome Miron – USA Today Sports Images

Whether it’s been because of injuries or because he hadn’t performed well enough, Brandan Wright has never really gotten an opportunity since coming into the NBA in 2007. However, as he’s stayed relatively healthy this season for the Dallas Mavericks, Wright is proving that he might be ready to finally cut-the-mustard at the professional level.

He’s appeared in over two-thirds of the Mavericks’ games this season and has seen a consistent amount of floor-time, averaging 14.9 minutes per game. In that limited-time, most spent backing up or replacing Chris Kaman and Dirk Nowitzki, though, he’s worked his tail off and been incredibly productive. On the season, Wright is averaging 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes. More than that, he’s shot the ball at an incredibly efficient 62.5 percent from the field. That’s why he has the highest Player Efficiency Rating on the Mavericks at 21.10.

Wright has looked more confident and energetic for the Mavericks this season than he has for his entire career. He seems more assertive on both ends of the floor and like he’s finally coming into his own in this league. And that would actually make a ton of sense. After all, Wright is just 25 years old and playing in his fifth NBA season. He’s still very young and has been learning and trying to find his niche in the league.

Judging by how he’s played this season in Dallas, it seems like Wright’s niche is that of a quality reserve frontcourt player. He’s not going to change or take over many games, but he is going to come in and give a team 15 or so minutes of hard-nosed and quality basketball. That may not put him in the Hall of Fame one day, but it seems like Wright is affirming his place in the league.

Cody Williams is a Senior NBA Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.