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Knicks Rumors: Pros and cons of pursuing Christian Wood in free agency

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons in action against Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 08, 2020 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 96-84. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons in action against Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 08, 2020 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 96-84. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 18: Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons blocks a dunk attempt by Cam Reddish #22 of the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at State Farm Arena on January 18, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 18: Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons blocks a dunk attempt by Cam Reddish #22 of the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at State Farm Arena on January 18, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Pro: Defensive Prowess

The Detroit Pistons entered the 2019-20 NBA season with two All-Star big men who were known more for their offense than their defense. Blake Griffin, unfortunately, lost 2019-20 to injury, whereas Andre Drummond was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Lo and behold, it’s the best defensive big man on the Pistons who has proven to be the last man standing in the rotation: Christian Wood.

The New York Knicks have an incredible shot-blocker in Mitchell Robinson, but a team can never have too many high-level defenders. That’s exactly what Wood has become, as he blends the ability to block shots with the athleticism to switch along the perimeter.

That’s helped Wood formulate a Defensive Real Plus-Minus of 1.01, which ranks 10th amongst power forwards.

A lineup built around Barrett, Wood, and Robinson would give the Knicks three players who can either block shots or enter the passing lanes. Moreover, it would give New York an interior with two players who can roam the paint or contest shots outside of it.

That type of versatility would create a unique strength for a team that desperately needs to find a way to differentiate itself from the rest of the NBA.

It would also give New York two of the better rebounders in the Association.

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