About a year ago, the Dallas Mavericks fans were delighted that their organization finally picked up a star to pair with Luka Doncic. At least that’s what they initially thought. Before the 2022-2023 season began, the Mavs acquired the talented center, Christian Wood, from the Houston Rockets. With such great promise and potential, it seemed like a great deal for Dallas. Well, in a season of being together, that surely did not pan out as expected. After missing the 2023 playoffs despite having superstar point guard Kyrie Irving. Wood is a free agent, yet no team has signed him so far. Which team should take a chance at Christian Wood?
Dallas Mavericks’ past failed attempts of pairing Luka Doncic with borderline All-Star big men
Before getting Christian Wood, Dallas first experimented with the Latvian unicorn, Kristaps Porzingis. Unfortunately, pairing the two European stars (Porzingis and Doncic) didn’t go quite as planned. After that, it would be then that Dallas would pick up Christian Wood, who was just coming out of a breakout year in Houston.
Reasons why no team still wants Christian Wood
- Empty Stats: Sure, Wood can average 20 points and 10 rebounds if given the chance since he has done it with the Rockets in 2021. However, his production hasn’t had any huge impact so far. His numbers during his Detroit and Houston days were pretty good and sometimes displayed amazing skill against other bigs in the NBA. Sadly, those numbers would not translate to winning games.
- Defense: As good as he is on the offensive side of the ball, Christian Wood lacks the presence on the defensive end. Standing at 6-foot-9 and with a wingspan of 7 feet and 3 inches, one would think Wood would be an impeccable rim defender or at least bother shots in the post. Unfortunately, he sometimes becomes a liability on defense. The Mavericks already have two great offensive players, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who are both not known for their defense. That is why, Christian Wood won’t fit it and is basically unplayable.
- Attitude and Mentality: Last season, Wood only started in 17 games for Dallas. Jason Kidd probably thought it was better if the came off the bench. However, Christian still does not play hard most of the time. He frequently zones out on the court and gets frustrated easily.
4 Teams that should take a chance at Christian Wood next season
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have made some great moves during the offseason by signing Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish while also extending Austin Reaves, Jared Vanderbilt, and D’Angelo Russell.
Would you want Christian Wood on the Lakers? #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/0zY55uAfUy
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) August 7, 2023
Right now, the Lakers are probably the top suitor for the 27-year-old forward. Wood’s contribution would be of great help in spacing the floor. That being said, he should be in the second string with Anthony Davis as the starter. Will he be the guy that LeBron James will have to add to their roster?
Golden State Warriors
The 2022 champs will continue executing their small ball lineup with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney. But, with the addition of Chris Paul, there could be some changes for the Dub nation moving forward.
Christian Wood is being pursued by the Golden State Warriors but there are other teams with more cap space that are also interested.
The Warriors will grab who they can, per sources. pic.twitter.com/ZcsKcvwsVG
— CERTIFIED WARRIOR BOY (@sumiiitup) July 14, 2023
Last month, there were rumors that the Warriors were interested in Christian Wood. Given that he can be an effective scorer and rebounder, Wood can be a good backup in Golden State. But, the problem is, will Christian Wood accept a veteran minimum offer of about $2.6 million a year?
Phoenix Suns
There are trade proposals popping up recently that Dallas Mavericks could pursue Phoenix Suns’ center DeAndre Ayton in a blockbuster trade by Fadeaway World. The package would include JaVale McGee, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Christian Wood in exchange for the 2018 first-overall pick.
Phoenix can get rid of Ayton’s $132 Million contract and get the production of three reliable role players. But, it’s highly unlikely the Suns would agree to this deal knowing that DeAndre Ayton can put up 18 points and 10 rebounds on any given night.
Miami Heat
Aside from the Lakers, Christian Wood seems to have a mutual interest with the Miami Heat. Various sources have stated that Wood is just waiting for Damian Lillard’s decision to sign with the Heat. In this move, Wood could potentially get more money if he waits. Well, we just have to wait and see.
Christian Wood is waiting for the Dame trade to go through to see what teams are involved and who will have cap/a need for him.
As this draws out longer he may finally say f*ck it and sign with a team. Lakers and Heat are top destinations but not the only ones he has interest in
— 🦉 Lakers Vino (@VinoUncorked) August 7, 2023
What do you think of this article? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
