PistonPowered
Fansided

Christian Wood needs to be a key piece of the Detroit Pistons future

By Nicolas Henkel

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons stands on the court before the start of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 28, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Pistons defeated the Suns 113-111. 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 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons stands on the court before the start of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 28, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Pistons defeated the Suns 113-111. 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 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Christian Wood has been stepping up in a major way for the Detroit Pistons, and as a result he needs to become a key piece of the rebuild.

One of the more under the radar stories being covered right now is the tear that Christian Wood has been on for the Detroit Pistons. At this point, it’s really no secret that he’s been unleashed ever since the departure of Andre Drummond.

Since that February 6th trade, Wood has been averaging 21.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game on 53.2 percent shooting, including 42.9 percent from three-point range.

This includes a career best performance against Oklahoma City in Detroit’s most recent outing, where he poured on 29 points on 12 of 16 shooting, while also hitting 5 of his 6 attempted threes.

Also. An unlikely trade candidate that could benefit the Pistons. light

The significance of his recent surge cannot be overstated. Not only are the Pistons in search of a long term option at the center position, but they’re also looking for players who they feel can be legitimate assets in this rebuild moving forward.

Wood checks both of those boxes.

While it remains unclear what Detroit will pay him this summer, the expectation is that they’ll undoubtedly shell out whatever they need to in order to retain him.

The market is pretty murky with Wood, but there will more than likely be a few teams pursuing him. Luckily for the Pistons, they’ll have plenty of money to pay him whatever they need to.

Also. Should Luke Kennard return for the Pistons this season?. light

Detroit has had a few players take a noticeable leap in production this season, but Wood’s season-long improvement has to be the most shocking.

He went from being a player whose fate on the roster was unclear from day one, as he was battling for the final spot on the roster during the preseason, and now he’s being introduced last in the starting lineups during home games.

He’s taken significant strides as a scorer, rebounder, and as a defender.

More from PistonPowered

While he still has plenty of room to grow, it seems as if every time the Pistons play, if you watch the opposing team’s broadcast they’ll spend several minutes throughout the duration of the game praising Wood in some form or another.

One of the most bizarre truths about his career so far is the number of teams that have given up on him in such a short amount of time.

He’s on his fifth team in four seasons, and it’s safe to say that he’s finally found a home.

Whether he’s paired alongside Thon Maker or John Henson, it’s clear that he can share the floor with anyone in the frontcourt. His ability to space the floor opens the door for more offensive options than when Drummond was in the lineup.

Wood’s three-point making abilities are naturally welcomed and encouraged in today’s NBA, as the more versatile you become as a big man, the more likely it is that you’ll find longevity with your career.

That’s exactly what Detroit may have found with Wood. Longevity and reliability.

Next. Can the Pistons make the right selection in the upcoming draft?. dark

The odds that they’ll find someone with his skill set and impact on the game through the draft or free agency this season are slim to none. The importance of keeping him around for the next few years cannot be overstated.

Home/Pistons News