The Case For Rodney Hood

What can he contribute now?

Along with dynamic shooting ability, he can also provide some post-play and the ability to slash.  While his wingspan is considered average at 6’8.5″, he has a standing reach of 8’7″, which allows him to finish strong at the basket at near a near stand-still.  Defenses would need to be alert and may be kept on their heels with his dynamic ability to score.  Covering Gasol and Bryant is a handful, especially considering their skill level from midrange and with the high-post game.  Hood could be found waiting at the baseline, opposite corner, just waiting to attack or to pop a three-pointer.

He doesn’t have much shake to his game, but when he decides to attack, he commits with aggression, and the mentality that he’s going to finish hard at the hoop.  If secondary defenders arrive, he has the court awareness to recognize it, and pull up for a soft shot from midrange.  He has a great foundation as a triple threat player with shooting being his strength, but his skills off-the-dribble and passing are also just above average.  That makes him more of a handful for a tertiary perimeter defender to handle.

He also has no issues playing next to dominant offensive options.  Jabari Parker commanded the attention at Duke University, yet, Rodney Hood was still able to maintain a high level of intensity offensively, not getting lost in the shuffle.  He was right there were Parker in terms of scoring, and often found him in drive-and-kick situations.  The adjustment won’t be as difficult next to top offensive options such as Bryant or Gasol.  He should be able to step in and contribute right away.