Here’s why the Detroit Pistons have the second-best bench in the NBA
Christian Wood
Wood has been the surprise of the season so far for the Pistons. After bouncing around the league for numerous years he’s finally seemed to have found his footing with the Pistons. Wood is already on a good track to beat his previous high of games played for a season (21 games with teams in 2018-19), and is appearing to be a player the Pistons would like to keep around for the near future.
It is almost shocking that Wood was not given more of a chance with any of his former teams given how promising he has looked for the Pistons so far this season. Through 28 games this season Wood has averaged a solid 9.2 points and 5 rebounds per game in just 15.8 minutes per game.
What is really impressive from Wood is the accurate 3-point shooting he has provided thus far. While the volume is small (1.4 3-point attempts per game), Wood has been making the most of his attempts from deep shooting a highly efficient 42.9% from deep. Wood’s shot looks fluid and he is not afraid to let it fly.
replay center. How the Pistons generate open three's. light
On top of his efficient shot, Wood’s freaky athleticism makes him an effective player. Wood has made a habit of posterizing opposing NBA players on what seems to be a nightly basis.
Wood provides frontcourt depth for the Pistons now and a promising player for the Pistons in the future. It is crazy thinking back to this summer that the debate was whether or not to keep him or Joe Johnson. Pistons fans are thanking their lucky stars that the front office decided to keep the younger, more promising Wood as Johnson likely would not have been able to contribute as much as Wood has for the team.