The Portland Trail Blazers netted themselves a solid piece before the trade deadline in Rodney Hood, one of the Cleveland Cavaliers players who were up for sale after a rebuilding year. The 6-foot-8 wing wasn't shocked his name came up once again for a second straight season at the deadline — not only aware but also keenly instinctual on his potential landing spot.
“I wasn’t surprised,” said Hood, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype. “In the two weeks leading up to [the deadline], I kind of had an idea that something was going to happen, but I just kept playing and being a professional while focusing on what we were doing in Cleveland. Then, I got wind that a bunch of teams were interested in trading for me and I had veto power, so while I won’t say that I could “pick” where I landed, I could kind of maneuver [my way] to a team I wanted to join.”
Hood, who had been with the Cavaliers for less than a full season, still held the power to veto any trade, as part of his contract conditions — and while he didn't have the clout to give the team a shortlist of landing spots, he could very well say no to a destination that wouldn't benefit his playing career.
Enter Rip City, a team with a clear void at shooting guard after trading away Nick Stauskas and Wade Baldwin IV prior to the deadline — making him an easy fit into the second unit.
“When I heard Portland, I looked at the situation and the opportunity to play minutes in an offense and system that, I think, really fits my style of play,” said Hood. “I also think with their community and their fan base, my personality will really fit in as well. I think it was a no-brainer to me to come out here and be part of what they have going on.”
Hood shot a rousing 6-of-7 from the floor in his first game as a Blazer, scoring 14 points and getting a decent share of minutes since, averaging over 20 per game in his first four games with Portland.
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