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Utah Jazz: Four Players That Have to Break Out in 16-17

By Jared Woodcox

Feb 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; World player Trey Lyles (41) dribbles the ball as U.S player Rodney Hood (5) defends in the first half during the Rising Stars Challenge basketball game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; World player Trey Lyles (41) dribbles the ball as U.S player Rodney Hood (5) defends in the first half during the Rising Stars Challenge basketball game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 28, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) looks to pass as Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) moves to defend during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 123-75. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) looks to pass as Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) moves to defend during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 123-75. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Rodney Hood

I’ve listed Rodney Hood first because he likely has the shortest distance to go of the bunch. Hood carried an enormous load last season particularly in the absence of Alec Burks and was arguably the Jazz’s best offensive player down the stretch.

In fact, in some ways it could be argued that Hood already broke out last year. He put up an impressive 14.5 points per game, which was almost a six-point jump from his rookie season. However, with just two years of NBA experience under his belt, the third-year guard out of Duke will need to display further improvement if he hopes to propel the Jazz to new heights.

Perhaps more than anything, Hood needs to break out in terms of consistency. He had streaks where he would catch fire, but his season field goal percentage of 42 percent and three-point percentage of 35.9 percent leave quite a bit to be desired from the player that is meant to be utilized as the Jazz’s sharpshooter.

So while Rodney Hood impressed in many areas last year, the 2016-17 campaign will be a vital testing ground for him to show whether or not he can truly be a lights out contributor and borderline All-Star.

Next: Trey Lyles

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