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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
Dec 4, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Rodney Hood (5) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

The Milwaukee Bucks need more from Rodney Hood: Crucial Defender

During the 2018 season, Rodney Hood got off to a great offensive start as a member of the Utah Jazz. That season, he averaged 16.8 points per game right up until the trade deadline.

Unfortunately for Hood, his productivity may have backfired. His numbers turned him into a hot commodity and he was included in a three-team deal at the trade deadline that sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. His career hasn’t been the same since.

While Hood may never again be called upon to average close to 17 points per game, he can still add great value to a team on the defensive end. Hood is 6-8 with great lateral quickness.

Those attributes lend themselves to being a great pick-and-roll defender and should allow him to be able to slow down quick perimeter players who prefer dribble penetration.

Whether it’s Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, or Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls, there is no shortage of talented wing players among the Eastern Conference’s elite. Hood could be called upon to slow them down, thus earning himself a spot in the rotation, if he’s serious about making a contribution.

Wes Matthews is in his mid-30s and is not as great of a defender as he once was. Grayson Allen is an underrated defender but he is yet to prove he can control his temper and stay in the game.

Donte DiVincenzo has not fully recovered from his injury and is not able to get the defections and stoppages that he normally would. That means that Hood should be “next man up.” Time will tell if he realizes this and embraces the challenge.

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