On July 17th of last year, the Detroit Pistons claimed Christian Wood off waivers after he was released by the New Orleans Pelicans.
At the time, it was seen as a brilliant and cost efficient move that would bolster the Pistons backup center position behind Andre Drummond, which they desperately needed.
It wasn’t clear at the time whether or not Wood would even make the opening night roster, as he was given a non-guaranteed contract. He spent the preseason in a battle with NBA veteran Joe Johnson for the final roster spot.