Christian Wood excited to join Dallas Mavericks and play with Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a surprising trade for Christian Wood, while the NBA Finals were still going on. They needed to improve their rebound and rim protection, so Dallas jumped at the chance to add a big man that averaged over 19 points and nearly ten rebounds per game over the last two seasons combined.

Wood is set to make $14.3 million next season on an expiring contract. Expect him to be locked in from day one as he joins his seventh team in seven years. The 26-year-old forward wants to earn a long-term deal, and he figures to get plenty of opportunities in Dallas as the Mavericks look for a new number two scorer following Jalen Brunson’s departure for New York.

Christian Wood is excited about his opportunity in Dallas and to play off of superstar Luka Doncic. He is in Las Vegas for summer league supporting the Mavs, and Wood did an in-game interview on July 8 where he discussed a host of topics about his new team.

Christian Wood excited to join Dallas Mavericks and play with Luka Doncic

Wood’s interview on ESPN in the third quarter of the Mavs summer league opener. He noted he was excited to join the Mavericks and thankful for the opportunity to be on a contending team. The 26-year-old has been in the NBA since 2015, and he has never played in the postseason.

The 6’10 big man made it clear that he focused on winning games before being asked about playing with Luka Doncic. Fans can see his quote below.

"If there is any other player in the pick and roll that I could ask for it would be him. He’s the perfect pick and roll partner to ask for, and I’m excited. It is going to be fun."

Wood scored 1.2 points per possession as a roll man last season, which ranked in the top third of the league, and he was not playing with Luka. Doncic is arguably the best pick and roll ball-handler in the world, and he should provide Wood with plenty of opportunities for easy buckets. The 6’10 forward is a career 38.0 percent 3-point shooter, and the duo could blossom into one of the league’s best pick and roll tandems.

Christian Wood is ecstatic about joining the Dallas Mavericks and playing with Luka Doncic. Fans should be pumped because the 6’10 forward has immense talent, and he is looking forward to his first chance to play in the postseason. How will Wood fit in Dallas? Stay tuned to find out.