Grading the Detroit Pistons 2019 offseason moves

8 of 9

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 09: Christian Wood #35 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center on April 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Pistons claim Christian Wood

Christian Wood has had to battle for his NBA career and he’s going to be up to the task again. The Pistons claimed Wood off of free agency waivers in July.

Essentially, his contract is non-guaranteed until the start of the regular season. The Pistons also signed Michael Beasley to a non-guaranteed contract. That, seemingly, is who the competition is between. Otherwise, it may be a sign that another move is made before the season begins.

Wood, who turns 24 before training camp, averages 5.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 9.9 minutes per game in his brief NBA career. He’s played 51 games and could be a legitimate backup in the Pistons frontcourt with the ability to space the floor and play on the blocks.

Related Story. Q&A: What Christian Wood brings to the Pistons. light

What’s most impressive about Wood is that he’s been a star in the Gatorade League. He was named Second-Team All-G-League after averaging 29.3 points, 14 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for the Wisconsin Herd.

GRADE: A-

It’s hard to say if Wood makes the Pistons roster. They need frontcourt depth and he seems like a viable option at power forward and center. It’s a low-risk, high-reward option for the Pistons if it works out.

Home/Pistons News