The Cleveland Cavaliers are taking on the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the 2018 NBA Finals, and while they currently trail 3-0 in the series, Game 3 saw some inspired play from recently benched guard Rodney Hood.
The fourth year guard out of Duke scored 15 points on 7-of-11 in just under 26 minutes off the Cavs bench with six rebounds and two steals. It was a surprising performance from a Cavs bench that has been atrocious in the NBA Finals.
Hood is set to be a restricted free agent next month, which means the Cavs can match offer he signs and retain him. The big question with LeBron James set to be an unrestricted free agent is will they match it? Hood spoke with Vice Sports before Game 4 and revealed that the Cavs have told him they want to keep him. Of course, everything depends on LeBron James’ future.
I’m not sure,” revealed Hood. “I’m not sure. I think that’s for Cleveland. Obviously their number one priority is LeBron and seeing what he’s gonna do. I think they do want me in their future. They’ve told me that. But obviously the money has to be worked out and so I really don’t know exactly what has to happen. But for me it’s just about doing what’s best for me and my family. I think Cleveland is going to do what’s best for that organization, and LeBron is going to do what’s best for him, and everybody can respect that.
Before his time with the Cavs, Hood showed signs that he could be a promising young scoring centerpiece for the Utah Jazz, but severely lacked in his decision-making as well as his play-making, and his shot-making was sporadic.
As far as after free agency, of course I’ll celebrate,” said Hood. “It’s a great accomplishment, no matter what the dollar amount is, no matter what the situation is, just being able to be in this great league for another three to four years.
Deciding on Hood will be just one of the multitude of decisions the Cavs will have to make this summer, which could start as soon as Friday night if they drop Game 4 to the Warriors.