All things considered, it's not a bad time to be Christian Wood.
The rising star for the Pistons just
kicked the coronavirus. He's headed for a big payday this summer. And when basketball returns, Wood's sights are set on the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.
He made his mission known Thursday via Twitter.
All star next year I believe it ..⏳
— Christian Wood (@Chriswood_5)
April 2, 2020 It's a bold claim, but it's not so crazy. Not anymore. After bouncing around the NBA his first few seasons, Wood has come into his own in Detroit.
And he's exploded since taking over as the Pistons starting center following the Andre Drummond trade, averaging 22.2 points and 9.9 rebounds while shooting 40 percent from three over 13 games before the NBA suspended play last month.
For reference, Joel Embiid, one of the starting centers in this year's All-Star Game, averages 23.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
With his ability to score both inside and outside, Wood is the modern NBA center the Pistons never had. There's a reason
teams like the Knicks are already said to be targeting him in free agency. Whether it's here or elsewhere, he'll command a hefty raise from the $1.6 million salary -- the vet minimum -- he made this season.
The Pistons, no doubt, will make Wood a strong offer. And they can exceed the salary cap to re-sign him through his Early Bird rights. What's more, the success he's had in Detroit will likely make Wood inclined to stay.
If he's indeed an All-Star next season, it's a good bet he'll be representing the Pistons.
