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NBA: 15 Candidates For Breakout Seasons In 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket as Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket as Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) shoots the ball during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Rodney Hood

Pretty much every Utah Jazz starter except George Hill could qualify for this category as the team looks to make the leap from lottery-bound to legitimate playoff squad in 2016-17. But since Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors have already enjoyed mini-breakout seasons, we’re going to take a look at Rodney Hood and all of his playmaking potential.

With Dante Exum sidelined by an ACL tear and Trey Burke being Trey Burke, most of Utah’s facilitating duties last year fell to Hood and Hayward, who ran the offense as the ball handlers in pick-and-roll sets and operated as iso-scorers.

Though Hood only averaged 2.7 assists per game, they also came with a career-high 14.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He only shot 42 percent from the field, but he did convert 35.9 percent of his three-pointers in just his second season.

With Hill added to the starting lineup and Exum back, Hood won’t be needed for his playmaking as much. But after a season of growth in that area, he’ll now be able to link that experience with a greater emphasis on being a spot-up shooter and iso-scorer.

With Joe Johnson being brought on board, Hood will have plenty to learn from a seven-time All-Star. His numbers may not stand out as much, especially if the Jazz stay healthy, but make no mistake about it: A breakout season from Rodney Hood is coming within the next few years.