In about a month, teams will begin holding media days and getting the group together before the preseason for training camp.
With this, players have the opportunity to start the season with a clean sheet. For former Houston Rockets center and current Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Wood, this season offers just that. Since being traded by the Rockets in 2022, the center has seen his production decline.
The Rockets traded Wood to the Dallas Mavericks in 2022 after he played two seasons in Houston. During his time with the Rockets, the 28-year-old averaged 19.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 51 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3-point range.
Wood’s stint in Houston was not only the longest of his career with the team, but also his best game. With the Mavericks, he played off the bench for the majority of his time with the team, averaging 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
After his stint in Dallas, Wood signed with the Lakers, teaming up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the opportunity to turn things around. Although his first season was marred by injuries, he sent a message to Lakers fans ahead of his second year with the club.
“I’m back, y’all,” Wood wrote on Instagram. “And I’m coming back next season with a vengeance.”
Christian Wood sends a message 👀 pic.twitter.com/MAviPRAeXi
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 25, 2024
Wood played in 50 games, including just one start last season, before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in a disappointing campaign.
The former Rocket has slowly declined since his time with the franchise, and he’s looking to return and regain his form in Los Angeles next season.
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