Portland Trail Blazers: 3 reasons why keeping Rodney Hood was smart
By Ty Delbridge
1. Role on the team
The Blazers have moved on from longtime starting forwards, Al-Farouq Aminu and Maurice Harkless. Aminu left for the Orlando Magic, and Harkless was traded to the Miami Heat in the four-team trade for Hassan Whiteside. This means Rodney Hood could be probably in line to start at small forward next season.
He has the height and ability to play the position on both ends of the floor and showed he could play alongside Lillard and McCollum. Hood is a good scorer, shooter and he doesn’t demand the ball. Portland is better with him in the lineup.
He knows his role as a playmaking 3-and-D wing, does the little things on both sides and knows that he will get plenty of chances to get his. It won’t be surprising at all if Hood puts up career-high numbers this season.
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Hood is going to be the third or fourth scoring option depending on the matchup. If McCollum or Lillard get hurt or need rest during the year, he can step up and take over some of their load. His fit — personality-wise and skill-wise — is perfect for this team. Portland is going to need the best version of Hood as it tries to take the next step in a wide-open league next year.