Rodney Hood Returns to Blazers’ Bench

Portland Trail Blazer fans welcomed Rodney Hood back to home court for the first time since his Achilles injury during a victory over the Utah Jazz. Mike Richman of NBC Sports Northwest spoke with Hood following the game about his experiences during his recovery from the season-ending injury. Hood noted that it has been a struggle, as he found it difficult to watch games while healing, but thanks to support from his wife, he has made progress.

“I was real down on myself,” Hood said. “But once I went into surgery I had a long talk with my wife. I was real positive when I got out of surgery. I was going to attack rehab, do the little things and become a better person, a better player mentally. Once I come back, I know it’s a long process, but I think I’ll be better for it.”

Hood says that as part of his recovery, he’s spoken with other players who have suffered the same injury but returned to the game, including former Trail Blazer Wesley Matthews. Hood feels optimistic about his future.

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