“Mom, I’m sorry, I’m a failure.”: How Christian Wood from being undrafted to becoming James Harden’s best running mate in Houston

The story of Christian Wood: A 6’10 PF/Center who went undrafted in the 2015 draft, and is now wreaking havoc.

It might be too early to say this, but the Houston Rockets got a huge deal when they signed Christian Wood on a 3 year, $41 million deal. The 6’10” Wood has been on 5 different teams, and the Rockets are his 6th team in his 5-year career.

Also Read: Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight vs Milwaukee Bucks? Heat release ankle injury report ahead of game against Giannis Antetokounmpo and co

The big out of UNLV went undrafted back in 2015. He was signed by the Houston Rockets on a 2 week, unguaranteed deal for the Summer League. He was then signed by the Philadelphia 76ers, for whom he played 14 games, till he was waived off in January. Wood finished the season going forth between the 76ers and their D-League affiliate.

“Mom, I’m sorry, I’m a failure.”: Christian Wood after going undrafted

The NBA Draft is a big night for every player hoping to play in the NBA. On the Draft Night, Wood’s family and friends had gathered at the Fizz Lounge, at Caesars Palace, to celebrate. When he did not get drafted, Christian left the party with his sister to go to a nearby casino.

There he met his mom and said, “Mom, I’m sorry, I’m a failure.”

This is about the saddest picture from an NBA Draft you’ll ever see — Christian Wood realizing he’s going undrafted. pic.twitter.com/be7ttxLBuT

— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) June 26, 2015

Also Read: “Did Nikola Jokic do a war cry?”: Nuggets star gives new meme material to NBA fans with moan after post-game interview 

To this, his mother replied by saying:

“You’re not a failure. That doesn’t make you a failure because you went on undrafted. Let me tell you, God works in mysterious ways and has a plan for you. I said what you’re going to do is put your head up high. Put your head up high and wipe away those tears, because from this point you’re going to go forth in your career and you’re going to be OK.”

It looks like what she said wasn’t wrong. Wood seems to have found his happy hunting grounds with the Houston Rockets. In his two games, Wood has scored 23 and 31 points, while averaging 8 rebounds. With DeMarcus Cousins due to return soon, the Rockets will have a dynamic frontcourt which would look to dominate every opponent.