The Detroit Pistons have one spot left to round out their 15-man roster for the 2019-20 season. Currently, the two competing for the final spot are veteran forward and 7-time All-Star Joe Johnson, and 23-year old undrafted big man Christian Wood.
The two have been working out with the Pistons over the past week. Head coach Dwane Casey admitted he was pleasantly impressed with Wood.
“Christian Wood has been a pleasant surprise. He’s been disciplined and focused,” Casey said per Rod Beard of The Detroit News. “With his length, he’s shown in pickup games that he’s different (like) Thon maybe, but he’s more of a perimeter (center) and can block shots and shoot the 3.”
Wood is on unguaranteed deal, while Johnson has a partially guaranteed contract with the Pistons.
Ultimately, it will come down to what the Pistons prioritize for the upcoming season. If they seek a steady veteran presence that can also create shots, especially in clutch situations, then Johnson might be the man for them right now.
Wood, on the other, hand, brings something completely different to the table. As Casey alluded to, the 6-foot-11 versatile big man can both defend and block shots with his size and length. Likewise, he can also space the floor for them on the other end with his ability to stroke it from beyond the arc.
The UNLV product hasn't found a consistent home in the NBA so far in his career. He did, however, get his first taste of substantial playing time last season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Though he did just play eight games, he averaged over 23 minutes per game in those appearances. In that stretch, he put up solid numbers of 16.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 1.9 BPG, while shooting 53.5 percent from the field.
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