We walk down memory lane to January of 2022; the world is slowly recovering from the unprecedented and terrifying COVID-19 that had sent everyone scurrying into their homes. NBA has resumed their games following strict safety protocols. Christian Wood is playing for the Houston Rockets under the mentorship of Head Coach Stephen Silas.
Interestingly, Christian does not start for the Rockets; he was benched by Coach Stephen for not taking part in the team’s daily COVID-19 testing, which was a violation of safety protocols. This ensues a heated argument in the locker room and Christian does not join the team throughout the second half; he is only seen on the bench.
Christian Wood clears the air
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Stephen Silas served as Assistant Coach for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2018-20 season; he then moved on to take the Coach’s seat for the Houston Rockets from 2020-23. In the past, he has coached Luka Doncic, as well as Jalen Green.
Benching Christian seemed to have caused a rift between the coach and the player. However, Christian has dispersed any rumors about the beef between his former Assistant Coach and him. On a recent Lakers Press Conference, the 6?10? Lakers? center says, ?I think there?s a lot of false narratives out there.? He brings up the character issue rumors that have stained his name.
He says, ?When you really look at it, I?ve never had any problem on a team. Maybe besides Houston, and that was for defending a teammate. And if you ask me, I would probably do it again. Christian continues, “But other than that, I?ve never had any problems with any team. Never had any locker-room problems. I still talk to Silas.? The two seem to be on good terms.
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Christian’s vision for the Lakers
Christian has played with an array of different teams over the years, hopping from one team to the next. However, it looks like he is in for the long run with the Lakers. Christian tells the interviews, ?For sure. This is my hometown team. I?m from Long Beach, I grew up watching this team, I grew up watching Kobe Bryant, you know. So, this is where I wanna be long-term.?
After having such a difficult time in the locker rooms of his former club, Christian Wood seems to be blending in quite well with the Lakers. Christian has never been to the playoffs his entire career, and he hopes to achieve this with the Lakers. However, an even bigger dream is to bring the Lakers their 18 Championship.
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Christian was benched for taking a bullet for a teammate in the Mavericks. Let us see what he has to offer to the Lakers and to what lengths he will go to bring that Championship home.
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