Checking in with the newest Portland Trail Blazers

Rodney Hood

Rodney Hood joined the Blazers and made an instant impact in his first game. He scored 14 points, grabbed three rebounds and had one steal while shooting 6-of-7 from the field in 25 minutes of playing time. Hood is a bigger wing that can do a lot on and off the ball and gives this team some firepower off the bench. He can play with the second unit but also can close out the game with the starters if needed.

Since joining Portland, Hood is averaging 8.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 33.3 from the 3-point line. He has played at least 15 minutes in every game for the Blazers so far and has six games of playing 20 minutes or more.

Hood just recently had his best game of the season against the Charlotte Hornets on the road. He scored 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting and scored all of his points in the second half, including 21 points in the fourth quarter to help the Blazers secure a win.

Hood is still learning how to fit in with his new team, and they will be hoping he feels comfortable playing with them come playoff time. He has a chance to be a big X-factor in helping Portland get out of the first round of the playoffs.