Experience helps Hood deal with trade deadline rumors

Jan 23, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Rodney Hood (1) is guarded by Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Photo credit © Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Independence, OH (92.3 The Fan) – The Cavaliers will make moves before Thursday’s trade deadline and Rodney Hood should peak the interest of contending teams. The veteran has playoff experience; a manageable contract and provides scoring off the bench.

“Just be mature about it,” Hood said when asked about how he approaches the deadline. “If I get that call, then I get the call, but I’m having fun right now. We won two in a row. We’ll try to go for three tonight. I like it here. Whatever the case may be, I’m focused on right now and focused on the game tonight.”

The Cavaliers were a contending team that traded for Hood last season. He had his ups and downs for the wine and gold during a fourth-straight run to the NBA Finals, but experience is the best teacher. Hood sounds like a player who learned from last season. He grew when Utah traded him to Cleveland. That growth helps him as trade rumors increase.

“I’ve been through it. I know what it feels like," Hood said. "I know what the rumors feel like, going back to last year. I’m fine with it. I’m an NBA player, I’m a good NBA player and regardless I’ll have a job. Whatever decision is made is out of my control.”

Hood, 26, may not be in control, but he has put together a nice season for the Cavaliers. He’s averaging 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Hood’s shooting 43 percent from the field and 91.8 percent from the free throw line, both would be career-highs.

“Being a part of a trade doesn’t always mean you’re not a good player,” Hood said. “It means they want to do something different for their organization. As long as you got a job – I provide for my family, I’m blessed and you move forward.”

“I don’t keep harping on it because you’ll go crazy and it’ll effect your play.”

Other Cavaliers Notes

David Nwaba will play tonight against Dallas after missing the last 18 games with a left ankle sprain. He practiced in full on Thursday and Friday. Nwaba’s averaging six points and 2.8 rebounds in 21 games this season.

Kevin Love won’t play tonight, despite practicing on Thursday and Friday. The Cavaliers are taking their time bringing their star player back, which makes sense, considering how the season has gone.

Rookie Luka Doncic is expected to play for the Mavericks after missing Thursday’s contest against Detroit with an ankle injury. It was the second game of a back-to-back, so Dallas held him out. 

The Mavericks are 18-7 at home this season, but they're 5-20 on the road. It's a winnable game for the Cavs, who hope to win three-straight games for the first time this season.