Milwaukee Bucks: 3 crucial goals for Rodney Hood during 2021-22 season
If there was one thing that we can take away from the Milwaukee Bucks‘ offseason, it was that they made it a priority to improve the wing depth and acquire more secondary and tertiary ball handlers and creators.
That’s what Rodney Hood is expected to be when the season starts on October 19th for the Bucks. Hood is essentially on a one-year, “prove it” type of deal that could pay huge dividends for the Bucks — if a few things break their way. Hood is someone who can bring a lot of offensive versatility to the Bucks bench and give them a scoring spark that they haven’t really had in that role.
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Hood is someone who can create his own shot, especially in the midrange, and be a very reliable bridge in the minutes where Khris Middleton isn’t playing. Of course, this is certainly not to say Hood is as good, that would be silly. But some of what Hood can do on offense are similar to the things Middleton brings in regards to shot creation, getting separation, etc.
However, there are a few things that need to go right for the Bucks and for Hood in order for this to truly be a great signing. Realistically, there’s not much risk at all here for the Bucks since Hood is only making the minimum, but they’d love to maximize their return as best they can on this deal.
If Hood can nail these three goals, some of which aren’t fully up to him, then this could be a very underrated signing for the Bucks, and Hood can be a big help in attempting to defend the title.
Goal No. 1 — Rodney Hood can hope to stay healthy for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22
This really isn’t something that we can expect Hood to control in his first year with the Bucks. I’m sure if it were up to him, he’d play 82 games every season because no one wants to be injured. But that’s been the story of his career to this point, and it’s been unfortunate for him.
He’s played 80+ percent of games in a season only twice in his career and just hasn’t been able to fully realize his potential because of it. I’m not saying Hood would have been an All-Star, but surely the injury troubles have held him back to some degree.
The best way Hood can help the Bucks is by being available, but I’m sure that part of why the contract was only one year at the minimum is because of the health concerns (and some on-court performance issues last season, which we’ll get to in a moment). I think it’s fair to expect that Hood will miss some games, especially since Mike Budenholzer prioritizes resting players, even reserves. But if we can see Hood play about 85 percent of the games (roughly 70 games) this season, then this was a very successful year and signing.
No one wants to see injuries, but more than most, I hope Hood can remain healthy this season and help himself stick in the league.