When the Dallas Mavericks acquired Christian Wood, many felt that the big man could be the missing piece that the surging Western Conference team needed.
Then came word that head coach Jason Kidd planned to not start Wood and rather have him as a bench player.
This surprised the faithful Mavs followers, who preferred Wood start games over JaVale McGee.
Christian Wood in his Mavs preseason debut:
16 PTS
13 REB
53.8 FG%Solid night for the new addition. pic.twitter.com/pExuleWNKe
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 6, 2022
However, if Wood continues to perform as he did during Wednesday night’s preseason game then Dallas loyalists will be content with Kidd’s decision.
In his first official appearance with the Mavs, Wood scored 16 points and 13 rebounds in his 25 minutes off the bench, a double-double that helped the team beat the Thunder.
He shot 7-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the three-point line.
What can Wood bring to the team and what more can he work on?
Welcoming Wood
Wood razzled and dazzled during the Mavs’ win against Oklahoma City but there is still much to be determined about him.
He wasn’t playing with Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, McGee, and Davis Bertans, who were all sitting out.
Therefore, we don’t know how he will work alongside those stars.
Additionally, Wood could afford to get better with his defense, which was a tad rocky at the start of the game.
This is why preseason matches are so important: they allow players and coaches to figure out what needs to be adjusted and improved.
Wood could get stronger defensively but he certainly proved he has what it takes to score points for Dallas.
Meanwhile, rookie guard Jaden Hardy also impressed with his team-high 21 points in 24 minutes off the bench.
All in all, it was a good night for the Mavericks even without certain star players.
NEXT: It Will Be Tough For Luka Doncic To Win MVP This Season