THE CRUCIFIX: Cato: Wood isn't thrilled w/ his role...Will depart in the summer

[F Gump]

This might or might not be the case, but there is literally no evidence of it happening on the court. Wood is actively and consistently giving up on opportunities where ....

Actually I think there is.

It's impossible to say for certain, without knowing objectively what Wood is being tasked to do. But it looks to me like Wood has been kinda doing his own thing on both ends of the floor.

On defense, that would show up on whether or not he participates in defensive rotations, and engages the offensive player where he is supposed to engage. Even if he isn't naturally good on defense, being in the right place, and using his size and length, can be very useful. Giving up and not bothering would be very concerning for a coach. And for other players too, when the team mindset is "accountability."

On offense, it would show up not only in whether he forces shots and ball hogs, but also in his positioning (is he where is supposed to be, to space the floor for others), and does he do things like move, set picks, and roll to the basket (as a big after setting a pick). Failing to do such things in a PNR-heavy offense will clog up the ball movement, the spacing, and make it harder for others to get easier shots while he's on the floor.

Without mentioning anyone's name, Dinwiddie mentioned that ONLY Powell (among the centers) has been willing to do the things that are needed to space the floor for the creators and get open looks for the shooters from the arc. He mentioned specifically the willingness to roll to the basket after the pick. While he didn't say Wood by name, he's one of the players whose DP's minutes are coming from.

It was shortly after this that Kidd called out Wood in public. I think he was probably just carrying the water for Luka and SD, frankly. A bigger call for accountability.

And if you think about it, how is Wood going to get more minutes and shots, if he's making the game harder for Luka and SD where they don't want him on the floor with them? He won't run PNR with a hard roll? He won't play D either? This team revolves around what Luka needs, not what Wood feels like doing (and that won't change, nor should it -- this is Luka's team).