The Rockets' main interior lineman, Christian Wood, scored 16 points and seven rebounds in a game against the Jazz, the highest score of any rocket player on the field. Unfortunately, the Rockets as a whole did not perform well, and Wood had beautiful data but could not turn it into victory. Since the start of the season, the Rockets have played five regular season games, and in 5 games, Wood has been given the opportunity to start every game, averaging 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1 block and 0.8 steals in 32.8 minutes per game.
Whether it's scoring averages or rebounds per game, Wood is the Rockets' number one. And the data of averaging 19+11 per game is also first-class among the center players in the entire league. But the Rockets' record is clearly disproportionate to Wood's stats, so why is that? The reasons are many, first, the overall strength of the Rockets is too weak, and it is useless to have Wood, the inside scorer. Second, Wood occupied too much ball and shot, and he brushed out beautiful statistics, resulting in teammates who could not play without the ball.
Third, Wood's own defensive ability is not good, just like last season, Wood scored high points, but his personal defensive ability was not good, resulting in the Rockets' serious loss of points on the inside line, and it did not play much of a role in winning inside and out. NBA journalist Lindbergh also took note of the problem and posted about Wood's future at the Houston Rockets.
The reporter first talked about some of Wood's advantages, such as Wood is very "cheap", 3 years 41 million was signed to the team by the Rockets, his statistics have been very good for two seasons, he even thinks that the Rockets signed Wood last year, which is one of the best deals for the team in recent years. Because Wood's average annual salary of 13 million per game can contribute close to 20+10 data, which is basically impossible in the league.
Lindbergh also believes that the Rockets' recent home win over the Thunder has covered up many problems, and he believes that the Rockets cannot approach the playoffs this season. Wood, 26, is already a "Fringe All-Star" player, but continues to struggle with the Rockets' losing season, which will hit Wood's self-confidence. Lindbergh believes That Wood wants to prove that he can be part of winning, and despite his beautiful stat sheet, one can easily ask, "Does this lead to a win?" ”
Apparently, Wood continued to brush up on the data in this way, and could not bring qualitative changes to the Rockets. Wood played with Harden and Wall, two of the league's top guard players, last season, and at some point the Rockets may have to do something right for Wood. Unless Wood meets the Rockets' rebuilding criteria, the Rockets may move Wood to a "greener pasture," meaning that the Rockets might find another team for Wood, whose future may no longer be in Space City.
If Wood is still a young player in his early 20s, the Rockets can't give up a star who averages nearly 20+10 per game, but Wood is 26 years old, and there is not much room for growth. In addition, after 5 games, the performance of 19-year-old rookie center Shen Jing is not inferior to Wood, as long as enough playing time is given, Shen Jing's data may even be more beautiful than Wood. In addition, Shen Jing is young enough, he is the first training object of the future Rockets' inner line, if the Rockets need it, they can trade Wood at any time to make room for Shen Jing.