East Notes: Wizards, Delon Wright, Hornets, Cavs, Ricky Rubio

Wizards

The Wizards improved to 5-1 when guard Delon Wright is healthy and in uniform, and coach Wes Unseld Jr. suggested that’s no accident.

His impact was immediate, even just picking up (opposing ballhandlers), pestering (them),” Unseld said, via Josh Robbins of The Athletic. “You know, it’s tough when you’ve got minute restrictions, for good reason, but he does a lot of good things out there, and some of them that don’t fall into the box score. But there’s a presence, and I think guys (on the other team) are kind of looking over their shoulder because they know he has a defensive feel to him.”

• In case you missed it, forward Kyle Kuzma continues to be mentioned in several trade rumors, including one involving available Hawks forward John Collins. We have the latest right here.
• Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington took a look at how analytics have helped forward Kristaps Porzingis. You can check out that full post here.

Hornets

Rookie center Mark Williams is getting an increased opportunity with Nick Richards sidelined with a sprained ankle, and Hornets coach Steve Clifford indicated he liked what he has seen.

“He was impressive,” Clifford said after a loss to the Trail Blazers on Monday, via Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer. “The way he handled himself, his poise on the court, his basket protection, we were very organized when we were on the floor. He did a good job in his pick-and-roll coverage and I thought he did a really, really, good job.”

• In a short time, point guard LaMelo Ball has delivered a major jolt to the Hornets’ offense, wrote Sam Perley of Hornets.com.

Cavaliers

Point guard Ricky Rubio is closing in on his season debut after practicing with the team, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

“He’s progressing,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “It’s a matter of when he is most comfortable. I would expect him, if things go the right way, sometime early next month.”

• For more on Rubio and the Cavs, check out my spot on The Fan, which you can listen to right here.