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

[DallasMaverick]

If Wood signs the 2 year extension, Wood can play however he wants.

• He can take it easy and take the "I just work here" approach because he is guaranteed 2 years, and wouldn't care if he gets benched or not
  
• He can swipe at Kidd for benching him and be a malcontent
  
• He can be a good soldier and buy-in to what Kidd wants from him (even if Kidd's ways and strategies are questionable)
  

The smart move at this point is to be on Kidd's good side. Because like it or not, Kidd's power on the Mavs has increased by the Kyrie trade. Sooner or later Kidd will be exposed as a mediocre to bad coach and would be kicked out, but at this time, he stays and Wood.. if he signs the 2 year deal, should play along.

Now if Wood doesn't sign the extension, he has no other choice but play his best in whatever role Kidd asks him. Kidd could throw him under the bus multiple times before this season ends and that's not going to be good for his next contract wherever that may be.

IMHo, based on CWood's social media, he is going to play hard. Mavs won't get him back as long as Kidd is the coach and that's not even for the MLE, but at the very least, CWood's going to be useful for this play-of run more than we expect him to be. Just consider this:

• Maxi may not be ready yet and even if he is - he is the lone reliable big
  
• DP? Seen him be a non factor in the PO
  
• McGee, LOL
  
• Morris - meh
  

Wood has the opportunity to shine as the lone big.
I just hope Kidd uses his brain cells and not his ego.

Seems like you're pinning Wood's success or failure on Kidd's actions.

So the underlying assumption is that, in the right system, with the right coach, with the right supporting cast, he's pure gold.

However, after playing for several teams, several coaches, and several supporting casts over his career, none of his teams have wanted him badly enough to retain him. 

At some point, don't you have to blame the player?