Houston Rockets: Who should be the Rockets starting five 2.0

Houston Rockets Center: Christian Wood

Stephen Silas wakes up every morning with the comfort of knowing who his starting center is going to be. As long as Christian Wood is healthy then he’s the man who is going to be playing the five.

Wood has been an absolute monster in his first season in Houston. Through 14 games he is averaging 23.6 points and 10.7 rebounds on 55.3-percent shooting from the field.

Wood combines efficient scoring around the rim with a deadly stroke from 3-point range. His 37.9-percent shooting from behind the arc is well above league average and compared to your average center it makes him look like Reggie Miller.

As the season goes on, expect to start taking even more 3-pointers from the 4.7 attempts he’s currently averaging. For the Rockets’ offense to get to the next level they’re going to need Wood to provide spacing for the dangerous drives of Oladipo and Wall.

Wood’s offense has been a marvel but it has been his defense that has been the biggest surprise. One of the concerns organizations had about Wood in free agency was over his ability to successfully defend the paint.

Those concerns have not borne out as Wood has a defensive rating of 103 points per 100 possessions, which is more than seven points fewer than the league average of 110.7. All told, Wood is the total package at center and a lock to start every night.