Rodney Hood: Joining Trail Blazers Is a ‘Breath of Fresh Air’

Rodney Hood is settling into his new home with the Portland Trail Blazers just fine. After spending the season on a toiling Cleveland Cavaliers team, he’s excited to play for something more in Portland. He recently spoke with Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype following his trade:

I know it’s only been a week, but what’s been your first impression of Portland – as a city and as an organization – so far?

RH: I mean, it’s been great. It’s been like a breath of fresh air, to be honest, just to be welcomed by all the fans and everyone in the organization. They’ve welcomed me and my family with open arms. There’s been a lot to pick up on as far as the Xs and Os part since it’s still early. But as far as personalities go, I fit in with the guys and I think they’re excited about having me on the team. I’m excited for [our games] after the All-Star break and into the postseason.

Furthermore, Hood is excited about the damage he can provide with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum alongside him in lineup:

Portland has a star-studded backcourt in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, and now they add you to the mix. They also have reserves like Evan Turner and Seth Curry. How can you complement Lillard and McCollum, and how good could this backcourt be if everyone can get on the same page?

RH: Man, I think we can be very dynamic. Both of those guys, Damian and CJ, are already so great. If I’m on the court with them, being a guy who can spread the floor, then we can make sure opponents can’t take a night off when it comes to guarding anyone on the perimeter. If they try to switch off Dame or CJ and they try to guard me, I feel like I can take advantage of that.

And when I’m coming off the bench, playing with Dame and CJ, I think I can do well in a role that’s similar to the one I played in Utah where I was a focal point of the offense and able to take over for stretches of the game. I feel like this is a really great fit. It’s obviously still early. It’s been good so far, but we know it’s still early and that it can only get better from here [as everyone jells].

The entire Q&A is worth reading, which you can do so here.