3 best free agent big men available for the Golden State Warriors
1. Christian Wood
One month into free agency and Christian Wood stands head-and-shoulders above the pack in terms of the most talented player left on the market. That’s not to say he doesn’t come with major flaws — particularly defensively and as a cultural fit — but he’s a bucket-getter who’s been a productive player for four-straight seasons and should theoretically be in the prime of his career at 27 years of age.
Right now Wood’s in a tough position? Is he waiting out for more money having just come off a three-year, $41 million contract, or are his issues that blatantly glaring that his future in the league is in some doubt.
It might ultimately be a little bit of both. It’s nigh on impossible to see him not land somewhere before next season starts, but perhaps teams are waiting to see what their options are before offering Wood anything more than a minimum deal. Maybe he’ll have to accept a minimum anyway, which would have to be the case should he join the Warriors.
Wood’s coming off a season where he averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds, shooting 51.5% from the floor and 37.6% from three-point range. His -1.3 net rating begins to explain his issues, but at the same time it’s not a total disaster that can’t be improved upon in the Bay.
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The real question comes on whether Wood can buy-in to a reduced role, something he’s had very public struggles with in the past. In the likes of Donte DiVincenzo and Otto Porter Jr., Golden State have a good recent history of being a short stop for a player to rehabilitate their value. Could Wood be the next?