RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Draft in rounds 6-10
CURRENT ADP: 114
ANALYSIS: A third-year guard/forward out of Duke University, Rodney Hood took a giant leap forward in his sophomore season last year. Starting 79 games and averaging 32.2 minutes, the 23-year-old went on to average 14.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Already someone to target as a potential sleeper, Hood’s stock increased in the aftermath of Gordon Hayward’s dislocated finger injury, which could perhaps cost him one-fifth of the season.
Last year, when Hayward was out, Hood had his finest game, scoring 28 points against the eventual champion Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s clearly comfortable as the number one option on a team and should benefit massively early in the season.
Still, Hood isn’t a "starter" and he's had a sprained hand hampering him which hasn't allowed him to shine in the preseason. This means, despite the numbers and the massive opportunity, he’ll be available in the later rounds. While he certainly figures to be a terrific early option, don’t expect his numbers to drastically decrease even once Hayward returns. Hood will still be the second best pure scoring option for the Jazz, and he'll be a fantasy steal for the whole season.
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