Breaking Down Cleveland's Trade Deadline Day Acquisitions

#2 Rodney Hood

Rodney Hood

Yet another 25-year old, the 6-foot-8 Rodney Hood was a first round (23rd overall) pick of the Jazz in the 2014 draft and the go-to offensive option as the shooting guard for Utah Jazz during the last 3 seasons.

Unlike the previous two youngsters, Rodney Hood has some playoff experience. The Utah Jazz won the first round of the 2016-17 Playoffs, upsetting the LA Clippers in Game 7, before running into the Golden State Warriors in round 2 where they crashed out.

Despite the emergence of rookie Donovan Mitchell, Hood, who was assigned a bench role for the Jazz this season, is having a career-high season in terms of points-per-game (16.8), field-goal % (42.4), 3-point shooting % (39) and free-throw % (87.6). Hood has the ability to create his own shots, whether it's driving into the lane for a finish in the paint or making room for a jumper. His tall frame (6-foot-8 for a shooting guard is well above average) helps in his strong finishes at the rim.

This ability to create one's own shots is a much-needed attribute for Cleveland, who in the last few seasons have been mostly relying on catch-and-shoot and assist plays (except James, of course). Add to that Hood’s ability to serve as a secondary ball handler and create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and Cleveland now has a player with such a rare combination of offensive abilities.