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The Milwaukee Bucks need more from Rodney Hood

By Thomas J. Brown

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 22: Rodney Hood #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks hold the basketball out past the three point line during the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum on November 22, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bucks defeated the Magic 123-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 22: Rodney Hood #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks hold the basketball out past the three point line during the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum on November 22, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bucks defeated the Magic 123-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks need more from Rodney Hood
Jan 22, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Rodney Hood (5) brings the ball downcourt against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

The Milwaukee Bucks need more from Rodney Hood: Valuable Rotation Piece

In the 2018 NBA draft, the Washington Wizards selected small forward, Troy Brown Jr. out of the University of Oregon with the 15th pick. When asked by the media why the team would use a first-round pick on a player who would be forced to compete for minutes with Kelly Oubre and Otto Porter Jr., head coach Scott Brooks replied (subscription required), “you can never have too many wings.”

This illustrates a valuable concept in the modern NBA. While point guards are expected to direct traffic on the offensive end and centers are expected to protect the rim on the defensive end, wing players are usually the most versatile players on the team and are assigned more tasks than other players on the roster. With that in mind, coaches know they are often interchangeable, thus giving the team flexibility with roster changes and lineups.

Rodney Hood has played both the shooting guard and small forward positions in his career. Although Milwaukee has talented players at these positions, some added depth could be just what the doctor ordered.

Last season, Donte DiVincenzo was injured early in the playoffs and was forced to miss the majority of the team’s postseason run. This year, he is back and slowly regaining his rhythm.

However, having Hood available to give him a breather is a luxury the team currently does not have. Hood’s play has been too inconsistent and they’ve been forced to go with the 35-year-old Wes Matthews instead.

At 29-years-old, Hood is still in his physical prime. If he were playing up to his potential he could sub in for Grayson Allen, Khris Middleton, or DiVincenzo when called upon. That is a luxury Coach Budenholzer would love to have.

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