After the June trade that sent him from the Rockets to the Mavericks, Christian Wood is transitioning from being on the NBA’s worst team of the last two years to a Dallas group aiming to contend for the 2022-23 title after making the Western Conference finals last season.
In some ways, there will be more pressure playing next to perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic and for a team with higher immediate expectations. Then again, there’s also less angst among fans.
Here’s a sampling of what Wood said in his first post-trade interview, which was captured on video at a recent basketball camp:
Happy to be here. It’s a great opportunity for me, for this organization. Just trying to take that next step. I just want to win games. My main objective is trying to get to the finals. …
Love the city. (It’s) a little bit calmer than Houston, thank God. Had to try a few food spots out here. The food is great. So I’m still working my way around.
The 6-foot-10 big man didn’t elaborate on what he meant by calmer. The complete interview, recorded and posted by Jonah Javad of Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA, can be viewed below.
Now 26 years old, Wood averaged 17.9 points (50.1% FG, 39.0% on 3-pointers), 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 30.8 minutes per game last season. He is expected to be replaced at center in Houston’s starting lineup by second-year prospect Alperen Sengun.
Dallas Mavericks newcomer Christian Wood surprised a bunch of kids today at the Mavs Academy Hoop Camp.
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We spoke with @Chriswood_5 afterward to get his first on-camera comments about the camp, the trade and joining the Mavs.
.#MFFL | @wfaa pic.twitter.com/NXKUsawHVz— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) August 4, 2022
