Rockets reportedly interested in Rodney Hood

With the Houston Rockets down two wing players from last year’s roster after losing Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute, they’ve been examining all of their avenues for improving at the forward and guard positions.

First, they signed 28-yeart-old James Ennis, who fill will a role as a defender and out in transition. The Rockets are also well-known to be the frontrunners for Carmelo Anthony once his situation in Oklahoma City is squared away.

Now, they’re also reportedly showing interest in 25-year-old shooting guard Rodney Hood.

According to Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon, who recently talked about Hood on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, the Rockets and Hood have already been in some discussions. Vardon said:

“There’s been reports of some discussions between the Kings and Rodney, and maybe the Rockets and Rodney…”

Hood would be an interesting acquisition for the Rockets. He’s young enough that he’s still developing as a player, and he showed some real promise as an offensive talent during 3 ¹⁄₂ seasons with the Utah Jazz.

The 6’8” Hood was averaging 16.8 points per game on 39 percent shooting from deep with the Jazz before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he had trouble fitting in and looked like a shell of his former self for most of the rest of the year.

His shooting from beyond the arc dropped to 35 percent, and he averaged just 10.8 points per game and finished the year out by refusing to enter a playoff game against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter.

Still, Hood is talented enough as a scorer that a team like the Rockets could make the most out of his potential. He’s averaging 13 points per game for his career in 27.5 minutes, and he’s a career 37 percent shooter from three.

He’s not a good defender, finishing with a negative defensive plus-minus every year of his career, but he’s long and tall enough that he could find some success with the right coach and in the right system (Jeff Bzdelik anyone?)

Hood would be a difficult get for the Rockets, however. He’s a restricted free agent with Cleveland, and the Rockets don’t have a ton to offer in the way of cap room. In addition, the Sacramento Kings are also said to be interested, and they have a lot more cheddar in their coffers for any potential run at Hood.

The Cavs are also reported to be hell bent on keeping Hood, insisting that he is a part of their future plans, but that could easily be just talk to avoid a bid from another interested team out there.

The Rockets have also hinted this offseason that they’re looking at potential trades to help improve the team, so that could be something they’d entertain after the start of the regular season. Houston GM Daryl Morey has been vocal about saying that the team you start the season with doesn’t have to be the same one with which you finish.

Any interest in Hood, TDS?