Christian Wood ranked as top 15 PF: Will he move up with Dallas Mavericks?

The Dallas Mavericks wasted no time in trading for Christian Wood as the NBA Finals were still being played when the two sides agreed to the deal. It was a chance for the Rockets to clear a logjam, and the Mavs wanted to improve their frontcourt in hopes of fixing their postseason rebounding issues. When Dallas offered a first-round pick, Houston could not say no.

Wood will be on his seventh different team in his seven NBA seasons. It took him years to earn a consistent role in Detroit before being traded to the Rockets in 2020. Over the last two seasons combined, the 6’10 forward has averaged 19.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 block in 31.4 minutes per game.

Wood was 15th in HoopsHype’s power forward rankings, but he will have his best chance to prove those numbers are no fluke in a winning situation. Can the 26-year-old move up? How far? Here is a closer look.

Christian Wood ranked as top 15 PF: Will he move up with Dallas Mavericks?

The Mavs need rebounding and floor spacing. Wood is expected to come off the bench to start the season, but there will be significant minutes available, especially if he is playing well.

Fans should expect him to shoot over 38 percent from 3-point range. Luka Doncic is one of the best shot creators in the league, and he will get Wood plenty of open looks. The 6’10 forward is an underrated scorer, rebounder, and passer. He should play his best in his first chance to win as well.

Wood’s ranking will come down to his defense. He has struggled on that end of the floor, but the 26-year-old has all the tools to be average to above. Will head coach Jason Kidd’s system bring the best out of Christian Wood on the defensive end of the floor?

Power forward is a deep position. Kristaps Porzingis, John Collins, and Julius Randle ranked just ahead of Wood on HoopsHype’s list. There is no reason he cannot pass all three players if he produces similar numbers to what he put in Houston, and his defense improves.

Christian Wood is the key for the Dallas Mavericks this season. They want to make a deep playoff run after reaching the conference finals in 2022, but the Mavs will need the best out of Wood. Will he take his game to another level? Stay tuned to find out.