Christian Wood
No, Christian Wood is not a point guard. Thank you for noticing.
While the LA Clippers would benefit from acquiring a floor general, a stretch big man would be a luxury they probably can afford as well.
After all, this team has had tremendous success with five-out spacing lineups that feature Nic Batum at the 5. Imagine if they could have a shooter with some size in the middle?
Wood qualifies. In 2021-22, he shot 39.0% on 4.9 three-point attempts per contest. Not strictly a specialist, Wood also makes for a ferocious rim runner in pick-and-roll sets. He’s a highly effective offensive weapon.
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We’re not suggesting the Clippers abandon their small-ball lineups. Their switchability on defense is a valuable commodity. Furthermore, defensive prowess is not a quality most associate with Wood.
This acquisition is about optionality. The Clippers could start Christian Wood at the 4, and play him at the 5 in certain looks. They could bring him off the bench in a sixth-man role.
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Either way, adding a player with some height who can space the floor would allow them to diversify the ways they attack opposing defenses.
