Houston Rockets: 10 possible replacements for Christian Wood

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 6. Omari Spellman

It’s been quite the journey for Omari Spellman, although he’s only three years removed from his lone season at Villanova, in which he was named the Big East Rookie of the Year, after averaging 10.9 points and eight rebounds per game. Spellman became a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and posted averages of 12.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per 36 minutes.

Spellman was dealt to the Golden State Warriors at the conclusion of the season and played even better in year two, as he averaged 15 points and 8.9 rebounds per 36, while making 39.1 percent of his threes, compared to 34.4 percent of his treys as a rookie. Spellman was dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the trade deadline, in a deal that sent Andrew Wiggins to the Dubs, and never played for the Wolves, as he was immediately assigned to the G-League’s Iowa Wolves, where he shined.

The 6-foot-8, 253-pound center averaged 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while making 40.7 percent from 3-point range, on 7.7 attempts per game. This followed up a 2018-19 G-League campaign in which Spellman averaged 16.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and four assists.

Spellman was dealt to the New York Knicks before the 2020-21 season started, making two consecutive offseasons in which he was dealt somewhere different, and was subsequently released. With Spellman’s ability to knock down the 3-pointer and his ability to help on the glass, the Houston Rockets would be wise to call him during this time of need.

Next: No. 5