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When Dallas Mavericks When they traded for Christian Wood a week before the NBA draft, it was clear just how much of an upgrade they would make at the center position.
Last season with the Houston Rockets, Wood averaged 17.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 50.1 percent from the field, including 36 percent from deep. That kind of production, coupled with the fact that he’s a versatile pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop player, is a must have. Luka Doncic Licking the chops heading into the 2022-23 season.
On Thursday, Wood surprised excited kids by showing up to the Mavs Academy Hoop Camp. In his first Interview on camera Since the trade, Wood has expressed how happy he is to be in Dallas and what his goals are for the upcoming season.
“I’m happy to be here,” Wood said. “For me, it’s a big opportunity for this organization. I’m just trying to take the next step. I just want to win games. My main goal is to try to get to the finals.”
The Mavs came within three wins of reaching the NBA Finals last season, but fell short of a Finals champion. Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. One of Dallas’ biggest weaknesses in last season’s playoff run was production under center, and that weakness has been addressed with the additions of Wood and JaVale McGee.
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Whether those additions will be enough to offset the loss of Jaylen Brunson to the New York Knicks in free agency remains to be seen … and The Mavs could still make some moves. to meet their gaming needs in the coming months. However, Wood is sure that his arrival will take the Mavs to another level. For now, though, he’ll continue familiarizing himself with Dallas before the real action begins in training camp next month.
“Love the city. (It’s) a little calmer than Houston, thank God,” Wood said. “I got to try a few food places out here. The food is great. So I’m still working my way up.”
You can follow Dalton Trigg on Twitter. @dalton_trigg
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