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Christian Wood – a Power Forward prospect for Raptors to consider?

By Brian Boake

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Fair warning: I’m going to stand Conventional Wisdom on its head, but first we have to define it.

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A rebuilding team’s first priority is asset accumulation. That cold phrase (people are not assets!) means a bad pro sports team like, say, the Toronto Raptors following the disastrous Vince Carter trade, must find fresh, preferably young, new players for the roster. The best place to restock one’s squad is via the annual NBA Draft, particularly the first 14 picks (i.e., “the lottery”). Early selections are made based on who management views as the best player available, regardless of position. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, and for the record, I agree with this approach.

Mar 7, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; UNLV Rebels forward Christian Wood (5) controls the ball against the San Jose State Spartans during the first half at San Jose State Event Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

As quickly as possible, holdovers of the Ancien Regime are moved out, or onto the bench, to allow a long look at the draftees. A few seasons of dismal basketball is almost certain to ensue, as Philadelphia 76ers fans can attest. Once that period has been endured, and some of the kids have blossomed into impactful players, the team is ready to move to the next phase. We might call that next phase filling in the blanks, and we would say that’s where the Raps are today. Toronto is a solid team, but not yet a championship contender. Given the near certainty of the Raps’ pick being in the low 20’s, most or all of the “can’t miss” talent will be long gone. Therefore, let’s have the courage to de-emphasize the Best Player Available mantra in favour of trying to fill our needs. In other words, Masai Ujiri should be drafting for position.  That’s my argument, and I’m sticking with it.

Our weakest position is Power Forward, where we start Amir Johnson, on the last year of his contract and with his best days likely behind him. Who are the best Power Forwards in the draft likely to be still on the board when our pick comes up? Masai has five minutes to decide….time starts now.

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels have a long, skinny PF named Christian Wood. While he resembles the second coming of Bruno Caboclo, he seems more of a low-post threat than Bruno. Wood won’t be 20 years old until training camp, and has a lot of growing to do (I’m not talking height – Wood is 6’11” – but weight; this fellow needs to pump iron for a few years).

Keep your eyes peeled for Christian. From what I’ve seen, he’s blessed with excellent hand-to-eye co-ordination, a rare quality in a teenage giant. I like big men who run the floor (a particular strength of Amir) and Christian moves well. Beware awkward tall men.

Christian is unlikely to help the big team for at least 2 seasons, but I’d still like a chance to draft and develop him.

I’ll be returning to the topic of potential draftees throughout March Madness and beyond.

What do you think, Rapture Nation? Are you with me on the approach, and do you like Christian? Please drop a Comment.

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