Christian Wood wants to win and take his game to the next level

The Dallas Mavericks traded for Christian Wood in the offseason because they wanted to put his diverse offensive skill set next to superstar Luka Doncic. The 6’10 big man has played for seven teams in eight years but never reached the playoffs. He averaged 19.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.0 block during his two seasons in Houston, but the Rockets were one of the worst teams in the league. Can he impact winning in Dallas?

Early returns are strong from the 27-year-old. Even after a down game where he dealt with foul trouble, C-Wood is averaging 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in just 25.8 minutes per game for the Mavs. He is making plays all over the court, and benefitting from Luka Doncic drawing defenders.

Wood did an interview with HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto where he discussed his desire to win over getting a contract extension, and his personal goals. Here is a closer look.

Christian Wood wants to win and take his game to the next level

Wood has not been shy about his All-Star ambitions, and he had this to say about his goals for the remainder of his career.

"Individually, of course, I want to be an All-Star in this league. I think I have a good chance if I get the time and the minutes to show what I can really do. I think I can definitely make a case for that. I want to try to win as many games as I can. I want to get to the playoffs. I haven’t been to the playoffs one time in my career. I want to try to make a run in the playoffs."

The 6’10 big man is producing All-Star caliber numbers in his first four games with the Mavericks. Can Wood get more playing time this season? He is still learning the team’s defensive scheme and system, but more minutes should come as his trust level grows with the coaching staff.

C-Wood is on an expiring contract, so Scotto asked him if he had thought about his future, and fans can see the big man’s response below.

"I guess we’ll see. I haven’t really thought too much about it. I want to win. I’m not worried about a contract or an extension. I’m just focused on trying to win."

Wood appears happy to be in Dallas, and he is focused on winning games. Everybody has seen how dynamic Wood and Doncic can be when they are sharing the floor, and Bobby Karalla did a video breakdown of what makes the 27-year-old so special.

Wood also discussed what is different about Dallas than his previous stops, his thoughts on contending for Sixth Man of the Year, and so much in the wide-ranging HoopsHype interview that is a must-read for all MFFLs.

Can Christian Wood accomplish his goals with the Dallas Mavericks? Will they give him an extension this season? How does his partnership with Luka Doncic evolve? There are still plenty of questions to answer, but so far, Wood has been fantastic for the Mavericks, and the best is likely still to come.