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Dallas Mavericks Should Pursue Rodney Hood this Summer

By James Gwatkin

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during game four of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 22, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers won 104-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rodney Hood
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during game four of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 22, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers won 104-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rodney Hood /
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Since the Cleveland Cavaliers lost Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry have been the topic of most conversations. However, many people have forgotten how good Rodney Hood was for the Cavs in game 3. With Hood entering free agency, should the Dallas Mavericks look to get Rodney Hood?

During the 2017-18 playoffs, Hood struggled in Cleveland. He averaged 5.4 points and 1.1 assists while shooting 42% from the field. In the series against the Raptors, he shot 15% from three. However, in game 3 against the Warriors, he came back to his normal self, scoring 15 points with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Hood shot 7-11 from the field. This was more what we were used to seeing from Rodney Hood.

In Utah Hood averaged 13.1 points a game while shooting 41% from the field. Hood is terrific at creating his own shot. This could really help the Mavs offence. Considering that Wesley Matthews coming to the end of his Mavs contract and the fact that we have not seen Seth Curry play after his injury, picking up a shooting guard could really be useful for the Mavs.

I have been watching Hood play and I really like his game. He takes a lot of mid-range shots and he goes down in the post a lot too.  These mid-range shots are perfect for this Mavs team. As we take lots of threes as a team, the mid-range is normally open for a player. Hood could either be a starter for the Mavs or he could come off the bench, but I would rather him start as his energy could really help kick a game off.

Most of Dallas’ free agency rumours include DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan but I really think that this free agency, Dallas should go for Hood, Terry Rozier and maybe try for Cousins. If Cousins doesn’t want to come to Dallas, I think we should stick with who we draft (hopefully Mo Bamba).

Next: NBA Mock Draft 4.0

After the NBA draft on June 21st and if we pick up Hood in Free Agency, the Mavs team could turn into a very talented young core with a bright future. If we pick Mo Bamba in the draft (check out the article I did on him here) and get Hood in free agency, our starting five could be: DSJ, Hood, Barnes, Dirk and Bamba. With that team, I think the Mavs have a very bright future!