3 lessons Christian Wood has learned since being dealt by Rockets

Heading into the 2020 offseason, the Houston Rockets were in a state of flux. The franchise had just concluded a 2019-20 season in which they reached the Western Conference Semifinals but weren't able to stave off defeat to the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Rockets made several deadline deals to allow the franchise to completely adopt the small ball strategy, which resulted in PJ Tucker becoming the team's permanent starting center. But it was clear that the Rockets were in need of additional scoring, as James Harden and Russell Westbrook combined for 61 of the Rockets 118 points per game.

The Rockets' third wheel was going to have to come via free agency, and the franchise locked in on Christian Wood, who had posted averages of 21.9 points and 9.4 rebounds in limited action as a starter for the Detroit Pistons in the previous season. However, Westbrook wanted out and was subsequently dealt, followed by the eventual exit of Harden. 

3 lessons Christian Wood has learned since being dealt by Rockets

Wood eventually became the Rockets' primary scoring option, after initially joining as a second option or potential third banana. What followed was a tumultuous stint with the Rockets, followed by an eventual trade to the Dallas Mavericks.

After spending one season with the Mavs and posting averages of 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 37.6 percent from three, and 62.4 percent true shooting, Wood has found it difficult to find a long-term landing situation. In fact, the Mavs had no interest in keeping Wood beyond the 2022-23 season after parting with a first-round pick to acquire him.

This is certainly not what Wood expected and it says three things.