Houston Rockets: 10 possible replacements for Christian Wood

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Thon Maker #7 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 8. Thon Maker

Although Thon Maker was a lottery pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, he’s played sparingly thus far in his NBA career, as he’s failed to crack the 20 minute threshold through five seasons. Maker is still just 23-years-old, so there’s still room for growth for the 7-foot center.

Maker has the athleticism to get out in transition and run, which could be beneficial alongside John Wall, who could possibly still be the fastest player in the league going coast to coast. With a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Maker has the tools to be an elite shot blocker, and he’s been one in spurts and sequences, and especially during the 2018 postseason.

Thon Maker protects the rim and finishes with 5 blocks in the 1st half! #FearTheDeer #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/v3GY6X0nDZ

— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2018

Maker is a good enough 3-point shooter for defenses to regret leaving him open, as he holds a career 32.7 percent shooting clip from three. This would be useful in Rockets coach Stephen Silas’ offense that is predicated on ball movement, not to mention how useful this skill could be from a spacing standpoint.

Maker has also made some big shots in his career, including even some from long-range.

Thon Maker FOR THE WIN. pic.twitter.com/1j48NGJbVs

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 23, 2019

Maker was on pace for his best overall season to date this year with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as he was averaging 14.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes, but became a casualty of the James Harden trade to the Brooklyn Nets, former Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen was dealt to Cleveland.

This gave the Cavs a trio of Andre Drummond, Allen, and Maker at the center position, and with Maker having signed an Exhibit 10 deal with Cleveland, he was the odd man out, as he was released on January 14th. Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has been known to make stellar moves and signing Maker would be another one.

Next: No. 7