Top 5 undrafted players in the NBA, No.1: Christian Wood, Houston Rockets
Earlier this season, I put Christian Wood No. 1 on my list for “early Most Improved Player candidates.” Not only is he the front runner for that award, but he’s making a case to be an All-Star in the loaded Western Conference as well.
With James Harden gone, there’s no doubt that Wood is the franchise guy in Houston. Unfortunately, he’s suffered a couple of mild ankle sprains this season which I hope isn’t a recurring problem for the Houston Rockets and for Christian. If healthy, Christian Wood is Anthony Davis light, which is still something you want on your roster.
The case for Christians is as follows. The offensive numbers; 22 points, 10 rebounds per game, and 56 percent from the field. Defensively he can block shots as well, at 1.5 a game. Since the Harden trade, Wood has led the Rockets to turn their season around. The Rockets have gone from a toxic environment to a team that works extremely hard on both ends of the floor.
Christian Wood is a legitimate franchise player in this league after being an undrafted player, that’s how I justify him being No. 1. To get a franchise player, borderline all-star, and someone who is talented on both ends is something that rarely happens when acquiring an undrafted player.
You’ve got to question the Detroit Pistons for letting him walk and give props to the Rockets for seeing him for what he could be and signing him at a bargain.