Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell may only be 24 but he is already considered as one of the more tenured veterans on the team. Currently playing in his fourth season in the league, Mitchell credited his former teammate in Rodney Hood for inspiring him to pass the knowledge and experience that he has gained towards the young players on the team today, via Eric Walden.
Don, on trying to help out young teammates: "My biggest thing is, how can I help? A guy I’ve talked to a lot is Trent [Forrest]. … I’m just doing what was done with me. I give huge credit to Rodney Hood, who did that with me my whole rookie season."
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) March 30, 2021
Hood previously served as a mainstay on the Jazz when he entered the league back in 2014. He already emerged as one of the key players of the team when Mitchell was drafted back in 2017.
As the more experienced player, Hood seemingly took Mitchell under his wing in order to help him live up to his potential as a first-round lottery pick. The Duke product continued to be a part of the team's core but he eventually encountered several injuries which hindered his progression over the years.
Hood's four-year tenure in Utah came to an end back in 2018 when he found himself in the middle of a three-team trade that shipped him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He eventually had a short stint in Ohio followed by a brief appearance for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Midway through the 2020-21 season, the 28-year-old swingman is opening another chapter in his career as he was traded to the Toronto Raptors at the trade deadline.
On the other hand, his mentee in Mitchell has already established himself as a marquee player in the league after showing out with brilliant performances in recent seasons. In his 2020-21 campaign, the two-time All-Star is currently leading the Jazz to a league-leading 35-11 record while also riding a six-game winning streak as of late.
Rodney Hood's leadership had an invaluable impact on a young Donovan Mitchell who was just trying to learn the ropes back then. Several years later, the Louisville product is seeking to do the same and successfully make a mark on the next generation of hoopers as his career progresses.
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