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Detroit Pistons backup center options for 2019-20

By Brendan Triola

Detroit Pistons Thon Maker. (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons Thon Maker. (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 7: Markieff Morris #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 7, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 7: Markieff Morris #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 7, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

In-House Options

The Pistons claimed Wood off of waivers on Wednesday, which adds another potential backup center to the mix. Wood’s deal is non-guaranteed until the regular season, which pays him $822,000 if he is still on the roster, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Wood hasn’t gotten much of a chance to play in the NBA, last year dominating the NBA G-League instead. Averaging 29.3 points, 14.1 rebounds, and over 2 blocks per game, Wood proved that he was much too good for the G League and deserved a chance to play in an NBA rotation.

Wood averaged 16.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 23.6 minutes per game for the Pelicans in their final eight games of the season. Wood is not afraid to shoot the three, connecting on 6-of-21 triples in those eight game, and offers a young and athletic option for the backup center position.

When the Pistons signed forward Markieff Morris to a two-year deal, which includes a player option following the 2019-20 season according to Sportrac. It was assumed that he would soak up the backup power forward minutes behind Blake Griffin. Morris has never been particularly effective at the five, and has played most of his minutes at the four, but at 6-foot-10, he has the size to play center in small spurts, given the matchup.

Another option already on the roster could be Thon Maker. Maker played most of his minutes at the four last season, and looked most comfortable playing alongside Andre Drummond. In this role, Maker was able to come off of the help side to block shots, without being the primary rim protector. Roaming between the three-point line and the basket was easy for Maker, and he was the most effective in this role.

Related Story. Three things Thon Maker can improve on this offseason. light

The Pistons were desperate last year because of the inconsistent (or consistently bad) play of Zaza Pachulia. By the end of the season Pachulia was almost unplayable, which forced Maker into minutes at the center position.

Maker looked overwhelmed and overmatched whenever he was matched up against a legitimate NBA center. Going into the season with only Morris and Maker as the backup center options would be a risky decision that could hurt the Pistons more than it could help.

They might look into free agency to fill the 15th roster spot should they decide to move on from Wood, and there still are players available that could provide some depth.

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