5 takeaways from the 1st half of the Dallas Mavericks regular season

Takeaway from 1st half of Dallas Mavericks regular season: 4. C-Wood fits

When the Mavs traded for Christian Wood, there were plenty of opinions on the deal. Some labeled him as a stat accumulator on a bad team. His subpar defense was a concern, especially when playing for head coach Jason Kidd, who has a defense-first mentality. Others questioned how his production and fit would translate to a winning basketball team.

C-Wood has answered all of those questions. He came off the bench to start the season, but the 6’10 big man has started the last 12 games and taken his minutes and production to another level. Wood is averaging 18.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 28.1 minutes per game so far this season. He is shooting 54.5 percent from the field and 39.9 percent on his threes.

Luka Doncic and Wood have formed a dynamic offensive duo that is nearly impossible to stop. They play well off each other in the pick and roll, and C-Wood gives the Mavs a dynamic big man that can score from anywhere on the floor. Wood’s defense is still average at best, but he has bought into the Mavs scheme and is playing hard on that end of the floor.

The Dallas Mavericks have a crucial extension decision to make as Christian Wood is in the final year of his contract, but the 6’10 big man clearly fits with the team. Can they work out a long-term deal? Time will tell, but Wood is a difference-maker this season either way.