Christian Wood has been playing well for the Detroit Pistons, rewarding them for signing him over the summer.
Christian Wood has bounced around the G League and the NBA before finally appearing to find a home in with the Detroit Pistons. Wood, undrafted out of UNLV, started his professional career with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015-16, playing 17 games, averaging 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
During the next free agency period for the 2016-17 season, Wood signed with the Charlotte Hornets. There he played just 13 games and averaging 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Wood did not have an NBA roster spot in 2017-18, playing for the Delaware 87ers in the G League.
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Last season, Wood signed with the Milwaukee Bucks where he played 13 games, averaging 2,8 rebounds and 1.5 rebounds. Then on March 18, Wood was waived by the Bucks only to be picked up off waivers by the New Orleans Pelicans on March 20.
Wood then played eight games in the Big Easy, starting two of them. He averaged 16.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. These numbers started to show the league his true potential. Wood was a solid, hard-working energy player who could be effective in the right situation.
Wood, however, had not finished moving around. After the Anthony Davis trade, the Pelicans selected Zion Williamson. Due to Wood no longer fitting with their game plan, the Pelicans waived Wood on July 15. This led to the Pistons claiming Wood off waivers on July 17.
Wood then had to compete with veteran Joe Johnson for the final roster spot for this season. Fortunately for Wood, the Pistons saw something special and gave the final roster spot to him. Wood has rewarded them with his play.
Wood has played 22 games, which is the most he has played ever in a season. He has been a live wire off the bench, making the most of his opportunities, averaging 9.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Wood has also been incredibly efficient, shooting 62.4 percent from the floor. In the recent 34-point blowout win against the San Antonio Spurs, Wood shot 11-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-3 from deep. In fact, he is shooting 48.4 percent from deep.
Player to watch, Christian Wood who had a career high 28 pts and 10 rebs in Pistons win over Spurs
— Austin Carr (@MrCavalier34) December 3, 2019
Both of these numbers are way up on his career where he has gone 54.2 from the field and 38.4 percent from deep. Wood has gone from 15th man on the roster to an incredibly valued contributor, giving 15.0 good minutes off the bench every night.
He has three double-doubles on the season and nine games of 10 or more points. This is starting to show a consistency which will keep him in games more. Coaches love knowing what they are going to get every night and Wood is showing coach Dwane Casey he will give his all every time he sets foot on the hardwood.
Wood is also developing a good chemistry with the second unit. Derrick Rose, Langston Galloway, and Markieff Morris are all playing so well with Wood, meaning that the Pistons are starting to win again as it is not all being left to their starting unit.
One thing is for sure, the Detroit Pistons are loving have Wood on their team. His story is one which any aspiring G League player can get inspiration from. Wood has never given up and has found a home in the NBA.