Potential Free Agents for the New Orleans Pelicans: Reader’s Choices

Strengths: Stretching the floor, running the floor, weakside shotblocking, highlight reel dunks

Weaknesses: Defensive positioning, on-the-ball defense

Key Statistics: 38.6 percent 3-point shooter, 22 points/10.6 rebounds/1.5 blocks per 36 minutes

How he fits with the Pelicans:

It’s time to admit that the New Orleans Pelicans made a mistake when they waived center Christian Wood.

Wood, like Crowder, is a bit of an anomaly, as he is only 24, but has been on five different teams despite being a productive player everywhere he’s been.

Wood is a G-League and Per 36 legend, as he has put up numbers that would seemingly put him on the radar of every team.

The New Orleans Pelicans got to take a look at Wood in the eight games he played for the team in 2018-19.

Wood’s per 36 numbers in that short span were eye-opening, as he put up 25.7 points, 12 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.

Sure, it was a small sample, but those numbers should have given the New Orleans Pelicans pause before they waived Wood.

The Pistons snatched up Wood as soon as he was available and it paid off, especially since the trade of Andre Drummond.

Since Wood took over as primary center for the Pistons, he’s scoring 22.7 points, grabbing 9.9 boards and swatting over a shot per game, numbers that could get him some votes for the league’s Most Improved Player.

Wood would fit in well with the up-tempo Pelicans, as he runs the floor well, throws down highlight-reel dunks and has a slick overall offensive game, including the ability to knock down 3-point shots.

Wood brings many of the same attributes as Jaxson Hayes, but unlike Hayes, Wood can shoot from the perimeter, which would allow the Pelicans to stretch the floor and clear space for Zion to operate.

Likes Hayes, Wood gets lost on defense at times, but is a plus shotblocker from the weakside.

He wouldn’t be a big boost to the New Orleans Pelicans’ already struggling defense, but his rim running and 3-point shooting could make the Pelicans the best offense in the NBA.

Wood is the modern-day stretch five that the Pelicans need. The problem is that they already had him and threw him away, which Wood probably won’t forget when he is choosing a new team.

It’s also unclear what type of salary Wood will command.

He would have been cheaper than Hayes this season and probably more productive, but now that the league has caught on, Wood might get paid.

At only age 24, Wood’s best days are ahead of him.

Could he forgive the Pelicans for overlooking his talent? Will he get a reasonable contract or will someone overpay for his potential?

These are questions that would have to be answered, but Wood is a good fit for the New Orleans Pelicans strictly from a basketball perspective.

We’d like to wish Christian Wood a speedy recovery after it was revealed that he had contracted the coronavirus. Get well, soon Christian!

We at Pelican Debrief will continue to provide coverage of the New Orleans Pelicans during the hiatus.

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