Christian Wood is a 24-year-old power forward for the Houston Rockets who has been making waves in the NBA since he entered as an undrafted free agent in 2015.
But the question on everyone’s mind right now is this: Is Christian Wood capable of being a starter on a top-tier NBA team? With all the hype surrounding him, it’s important to take a closer look at his career statistics and overall abilities before answering that question definitively.
Throughout his career, Wood spent time with multiple teams such as the Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, and currently, the Houston Rockets. While playing for these different organizations, Wood was always considered an inconsistent force on offense and defense. But that all seemed to change last season when he signed with the Detroit Pistons where he saw increased minutes and stepped up to average impressive numbers of 13.1 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game and 0.9 blocks per game.
His move to Rockets led by James Harden presents a great opportunity to prove himself once again. If he consistently puts up numbers like last year, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be seen as a starter on any other team in the league too. So let’s take a closer look into what makes Christian Wood stand out from other players and how he earned his position as one of the most promising front court talents in the NBA.
Is Christian Wood A Starter?
Scoring
Christian Wood has demonstrated that he is a scoring machine. In the 2020-21 season, Wood averaged an impressive 21 points per game for the Houston Rockets. This placed him at number 26 in league-wide scoring. Additionally, his 55.8% field goal percentage shows that he’s a highly efficient scorer on top of being able to put up big numbers.
Despite missing games due to injury, Wood consistently proved himself as one of Houston’s premier scorers when active. According to CBS Sports’ James Herbert, “Wood quickly established himself as a huge offensive threat.” The sentiment was echoed by NBA writer Micah Adams who said, “If healthy, Christian Wood looks primed and ready to take another step forward this season as one of the best young scorers in the league.”
“He’s a really unique talent,” says Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey about Wood. “He has a great feel for the game. He can post you up, scores off isolation, catch-and-shoot situation, pick-and-roll — all those skills are incorporated into what we like to do offensively”
Rebounding
In addition to his scoring abilities, Wood has proven himself to be a key player on the boards. In the same season, he averaged just under 10 rebounds per game (9.6). Despite playing limited minutes due to injuries, Wood was still able to record multiple double-doubles throughout the year.
When it comes to rebounding, Wood knows how important it is, stating “I think rebounding is a skill that not a lot of players have but I pride myself on my work ethic.”
“I don’t sleep on the fact that Christian Wood is a walking double-double,” said Miami Head Coach Erik Spoelstra after a game in March 2021 where Wood grabbed 18 boards.
Assists
Though not known as a primary playmaker, with an average of just under 2 assists per game last season (1.7), Wood still demonstrated some good vision and ability to move the ball around on the court. Despite being more focused on his own scoring, he understands that it’s important for him to get his teammates involved.
“As our best player we need him to be more vocal with calling out plays,” says Rockets teammate Sterling Brown.”Everybody knows Chris can score at a high level but we’ll ask him sometimes like ‘hey help us with calls’ because he knows what works.”
Blocks and Steals
On defense, Wood has proven himself to be a valuable asset to any team looking for protection at the rim. He averaged over one block per game (1.2) last season along with just short of one steal per game (0.9).
According to Angelo Guinhawa, writer for Space City Scoop, “Wood’s defensive effort was constantly there this past year; you could tell from how many times he swatted shots away from opponents, often flying through the air to send them back.”
“He gives us length and activity and speed and strength,” Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said about Wood. “He reads situations very well, anticipates well which made him successful defensively.”Ultimately, Wood has proved time and again that he is deserving of his starting role wherever he goes. His skills make him a valuable all-around player who consistently produces results in every aspect of the game.
Wood’s Versatility on the Court
As fans and analysts wonder about Christian Wood’s starting status, one thing is clear: his versatility on the court makes him a valuable addition to any team. He has honed his skills throughout his career, able to play multiple positions and contribute both offensively and defensively.
Ability to Play Multiple Positions
One of Wood’s greatest strengths is his ability to play different positions as needed. This puts him in high demand for coaches looking for players that can easily adapt to changing game situations.
A recent article from NBA analyst Alex Kennedy highlights Wood’s flexibility, stating:
“Christian Wood is an incredibly versatile player who can play the 4 or the 5 spot depending on what you need, he can run the floor like a guard but finish with thunderous dunks.”
This kind of praise from someone with expertise in the sport showcases just how valuable Wood is on the court.
Offensive and Defensive Skills
In addition to being able to play multiple positions, Wood brings strong offensive and defensive skills to any team he plays for.
On offense, Wood boasts impressive numbers, averaging 21 points per game during the 2020-2021 season. His scoring prowess comes not only from his dunking abilities but also from his shooting range, making him a dynamic threat on the court.
Defensively, Wood is equally skilled, averaging almost two blocks per game during the same season. With the ability to both score and defend well, Wood is clearly a top contender for a starter position.
Pick-and-Roll Expertise
Another area where Wood shines on the court is in pick-and-roll situations. As pointed out in a recent article from ClutchPoints:
“Wood has become one of the best pick-and-roll players in the entire league, and he sets himself apart with his combination of speed, athleticism, coordination, and basketball IQ.”
This expertise makes Wood an effective player no matter what position he is given in a game. Being able to effectively execute these types of plays adds to his versatility and value on the court.
Shooting Range
Finally, it’s worth noting that Wood not only excels at close-range dunks but also has impressive shooting range. During the 2020-2021 season, he averaged almost 38% from beyond the arc. This type of accuracy showcases just how well-rounded Wood is as a player.
In conclusion, Christian Wood’s versatility on the court, ability to play multiple positions, strong offensive and defensive skills, expertise in pick-and-roll situations, and shooting range all make him a top contender for being a starter on any team lucky enough to have him.
The Impact of Wood on the Houston Rockets
Leading the Team in Scoring
Since being signed by the Houston Rockets, Christian Wood has proven to be an invaluable asset to the team. After averaging 13 points per game for three seasons, he finally got his chance to start and takes that opportunity – and runs with it. Currently leading the team in scoring with a career-high of 21 points per game, he makes up almost 24% of all the Rockets’ points.
“Christian is playing great basketball,” said John Wall, teammate and former All-Star.”He’s been amazing for us.”
This season, Wood has had nineteen 20+ point games, seven 25+ point games, and one 30+ point game (33-point effort in December against the Sacramento). His impressive statistics warrant praise from fans and analysts alike.
Providing Much-Needed Rebounding
Wood’s contributions don’t just stop at scoring as he also provides much-needed rebounding support for the Rockets. He currently leads the team in rebounds, pulling down over 8 rebounds per game, which is significantly higher than some of his teammates like PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon who only have 5.4 rebounds or lower per game.
“Just impacting the game in areas that your skills allow you to do so — rebounding the ball, finishing around the rim, blocking shots,” said head coach Stephen Silas in an interview with Rockets Wire.”All those things are important and valuable.”
Wood’s post-play does not go unnoticed as he frequently grabs offensive rebounds, leading to second-chance opportunities and easy layups.
Being a Key Piece in the Rockets’ Rebuild
Christian Wood’s talent and potential has made him a key player in the Rockets’ rebuild. After being traded from the Detroit Pistons to Houston, Wood has been given significant playing time and is one of the essential building blocks for the team moving forward.
“He’s probably the best value as far as free-agent signings,” said ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins in an episode of The Jump.”To me, he’s a surefire star on his way up.”
As the Rockets navigate their rebuilding phase following the James Harden trade, the young and talented roster led by Christian Wood gives fans something exciting to look forward to
Complimenting the Play of John Wall and Victor Oladipo
Christian Wood’s abilities complement the plays of John Wall and Victor Oladipo – both offensive juggernauts themselves. In the 23 games that all three have played together so far, the rockets have won ten times, providing support for those who argue how much a starter christian wood can be.
“The chemistry between us is really good,” said Wall during media availability after the Rocket’s recent game against San Antonio.”We’re making each other better every day.”
The trio currently averages almost 60 points per game combined, which is over 66% of the total output of the entire Rockets team. With such impressive stats within this group, the possibilities with regards to their success are endless.
Wood’s Potential as a Future All-Star
Christian Wood, the center for the Houston Rockets, has established himself as a rising star in the NBA. With his combination of size, athleticism, and skill, there is no doubt that he has the potential to become an All-Star in the near future.
Young Age and Room for Improvement
One of the main reasons why Wood has so much potential is due to his young age. At only 25 years old, he still has plenty of time to continue improving his game and reach new heights on the court. Wood has already made significant improvements to his game during this past season with the Houston Rockets. His scoring average increased from 13.1 points per game to 21.0 points per game while also increasing his rebounding and block averages. This shows that he has a strong work ethic and is dedicated to getting better every day.
“He’s had moments where he’s looked like a perennial All-Star,” said ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton.
With continued improvement, it wouldn’t be surprising if Wood becomes one of the best players in the league.
Recognition from NBA Players and Coaches
Wood’s talent has not gone unnoticed by NBA players and coaches alike. After playing against him, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said, “I think Christian Wood is going to be really good in this league.” Even LeBron James recognized his talent after their matchup, stating, “He’s gotten better every game I’ve watched him play this year.”
“It looks like they have a budding star at the position,” said Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel.
These accolades from some of the best players and coaches in the league speak volumes about Wood’s potential to become an star in the NBA.
Comparison to Other NBA All-Stars
When looking at Wood’s stats, he already compares favorably to other NBA All-Stars. His points per game is comparable to players like Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns, while his rebounding average is on par with Rudy Gobert.
“Sometimes mirage starts happen,” said Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey.”But I don’t think with Christian it’s a mirage.”
If he continues to improve upon these numbers, there is no reason why he couldn’t be ranked among the best centers in the league.
Potential to Lead the Rockets to Championships
Not only does Wood have the potential to be a future All-Star, but he also has the ability to lead the Houston Rockets to championships. With his versatility on both ends of the court, he can make a significant impact for any team that he plays for.
“He’s definitely capable of carrying a franchise,” said former NBA player Caron Butler.
The Rockets are in rebuilding mode and have struggled this season, but with Wood as a cornerstone piece, they have a bright future ahead of them.
In conclusion, Christian Wood has shown immense potential as a rising star in the NBA. With his athleticism, skill, and a strong work ethic, he has proven that he has what it takes to reach new heights in his career. As he continues to develop his game and receives recognition from players and coaches around the league, there is no question that he has the potential to become a perennial All-Star, possibly even leading the Rockets to championship glory someday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christian Wood’s current role on the Houston Rockets?
Christian Wood is currently a starter on the Houston Rockets. He plays the power forward position and has been a key player for the team this season.
Has Christian Wood started any games for the Houston Rockets this season?
Yes, Christian Wood has started every game he has played in for the Houston Rockets this season. He has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup for the team.
How has Christian Wood performed in his role as a starter?
Christian Wood has performed exceptionally well in his role as a starter for the Houston Rockets. He is averaging 22.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, and has been one of the team’s most consistent performers.
What are the factors that determine if Christian Wood should be a starter?
The factors that determine if Christian Wood should be a starter include his performance in games, his ability to work well with other players in the starting lineup, and the team’s overall strategy and goals for the season.
How does Christian Wood’s playing style fit into the Rockets’ starting lineup?
Christian Wood’s playing style fits well into the Rockets’ starting lineup. He is a versatile player who can score from the inside and outside, and he is also a strong rebounder and shot blocker. His athleticism and energy make him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
Can Christian Wood maintain his performance level as a starter throughout the season?
It remains to be seen if Christian Wood can maintain his performance level as a starter throughout the season. However, he has shown that he is capable of playing at a high level consistently, and if he can stay healthy and focused, he should continue to be a key player for the Houston Rockets.