Indiana Pacers: 5 players that prove the value in second-round NBA Draft picks

Christian Wood

Christian Wood wasn’t selected in the first or second round, but proves the availability of talent and potential throughout the draft.

Wood had a troubling draft day in 2015. Most second-round selections or undrafted players watch the draft from the comfort of their own home, knowing that it’s possible they don’t hear their name called on draft night.

Wood was invited to the green room, expected to be a first-round pick. He fell to the second round, then out of the draft completely. Devestating photos of Wood’s disappointment would be shared on social media that night, and they would be a precursor to the work Wood had cut out for himself in this league.

Wood found himself in his rookie season on the Philadelphia 76ers on a contract that was incredibly team-friendly in terms of financials, but also friendly to Wood’s situation in that it motivated him to prove himself since the contract wasn’t guaranteed.

Wood carved out extremely minimal roles in Philly, Charlotte, Milwaukee and New Orleans in his first three seasons, and finally combined hard work and luck to establish his value with the Detroit Pistons this year.

Wood and Joe Johnson were vying for the team’s final roster spot during the preseason, and Wood’s performance would be too great for the team to cut him, even up against an established veteran name like Johnson.

Andre Drummond was traded at the deadline and this opened a window for Wood to show what he can do. Since the All-Star break, Wood is averaging 24.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

Though he hasn’t gotten a major payday quite yet, he’s set himself up for a solid contract this offseason.