Assessing Christian Wood’s place with the Houston Rockets entering the NBA offseason is a challenge.
At 26, he’s at an exact age where the team may or may not consider him part of what looks to be a long-term rebuild. He was acquired before James Hardens’ trade request. It seems likely that the move was made to complement The Beard’s game.
He’s a talented player, but he’s also a flawed one. Wood is one of the best three-point shooting big men in the league, but he’s prone to commandeering possessions to play an unwanted brand of iso ball. He’s an outstanding pick-and-roll finisher, but he fails to leverage that athleticism on the defensive end.
Some of those flaws could be fixed if Wood joined a more competitive team. It’s possible that on a squad with a clear first option, Wood could fall into line. It’s also likely that he’d conserve more energy for defense with a more streamlined offensive role.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Perfect Trade Ideas Involving Houston Rockets’ Christian Wood
The Portland Trail Blazers could offer him one. They’ll continue to build their offense around superstar Damian Lillard.
If they’d like to pair him with a stretch five, here are two trades that send Wood to the Portland Trail Blazers.