Dallas Mavericks forward Christian Wood has his sights set on becoming an All-Star. Wood has jumped from seven different teams throughout his six-year career.
Through 226 career NBA games, the UNLV product is averaging 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Additionally, he is shooting 52.1% from the field and 38.6% from long range.
According to multiple NBA betting sites, the Mavericks have the 10th best odds to win the championship in 2023. Some sportsbooks give Dallas higher odds than the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers.
Christian Wood this season:
24.3 points per game
8.7 roleplay
1.7 APG
62 FG%
61 3PT%
The Mavs are +39 when he’s on the court.all-star? pic.twitter.com/k5vICAV5pM
— Muse of the NBA (@NBAMuse24) October 26, 2022
Despite his exceptional stat line, Wood has yet to receive an All-Star selection. In an interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Mavericks wing explained his personal goals.
“Individually, of course, I want to be an All-Star in this league,” Wood said. “I think I have a good chance if I have the time and the minutes to show what I can really do.”
“I think I can definitely defend that. And I want to try to win as many games as I can. I want to make the playoffs. I haven’t been to the playoffs once in my career, and I want to try and make a playoff run.”
Mavericks forward Christian Wood aims to receive his first All-Star selection this season
When Scotto asked Wood about the Mavericks’ potential this season, the forward replied, “They went to the Western Conference Finals last year.”
“I think we are better this year, so I will say the Finals. That is everyone’s goal. When we get to the playoffs, let’s play for each other and play for each other.” Of course, he has to stay healthy with the Mavericks.
Last season, in 68 appearances at center with the Houston Rockets, Wood posted 17.9 points, 2.3 assists and 1 block per game. In addition to finishing with 33 double-doubles, he also averaged a career-high 10.1 rebounds.
Christian Wood will be an All-Star.
CWood with James Harden:
23.0 PTS, 8.7 REB at 53% shooting (33 min)Wood with Luka Doncic:
25.0 PTS, 10.0 REB, 2.5 AST at 55% shot (25 min)#MFFL— Chris (@ExtraMinutes) October 23, 2022
On March 21, 2022, in the Rockets’ 115-97 win over the Washington Wizards, the California native scored a career-high 39 points in 36 minutes. He finished 14 of 18 (77.8%) shooting from the ground and 8 of 9 (88.9%) from the center.
Through four games off the bench this season, Wood is averaging 21 points, 8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. The 27-year-old recorded 25 points in consecutive performances to start the 2022-23 season.
If Christian Wood stays consistent, this could very well be his All-Star season. The small forward could become the piece the Mavericks need to return to the playoffs with Luka Doncic.