Detroit Pistons: What if Michael Beasley and Christian Wood make roster?

Keeping Wood

Or Wood can get a legitimate shot with his first NBA role.

Wood, who turns 24 days before training camp opens, has played in 51 NBA games over the last three seasons. Most of those appearances have come when a game is in hand or late in the season when the regular starters and rotational players are resting.

Primarily a power forward, he has improved each year in the G-League, earning All-G-League Second Team honors last season after putting up 29.3 points, 14 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 55.9 percent from the floor and 26.5 percent from 3-point range.

That suggests that he is ready to put his skills to the test at the NBA level with dominating performance after dominating performance in the developmental league. With his inability to consistently hit 3-pointers, the 6-foot-10, 216-pound big man may be best suited at center. However, strength is the biggest factor in whether he can play the position.

It’s the same issue that the Pistons saw with Thon Maker at the center position after acquiring him in a three-team deal that sent Stanley Johnson to the New Orleans Pelicans. Maker often found himself in a mismatch against stronger men.

Even on an interim basis, it may be worth giving Wood a shot and a two-month tryout, so to speak, until the Dec. 15 date that allows newly-signed free agents to officially be traded.

With the Pistons having the easiest schedule in the league before the All-Star break, it won’t be as impactful to try Wood out. However a corresponding move would need to be made.