Utah Jazz alumni update: Hood hobbled, Hornacek on the hot seat?

Updates on former Utah Jazz players Rodney Hood and Jeff Hornacek. One is having some familiar struggles, while the other could be on the coaching hot seat.

During his three-plus year run with the Utah Jazz, two things seemingly plagued Rodney Hood on a perpetual basis. I’m talking about injuries and inconsistency. Although Hood got the change of scenery that many felt he needed after his spot in Jazzland was usurped by Donovan Mitchell, those I-words continue to bring him down in Cleveland.

Just seven minutes into the Cavaliers’ bout with the LA Clippers on Friday, a back strain forced Hood off the floor. He went on to miss the Cavs’ next game and is listed as doubtful to play against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

Longtime Jazz fans will remember that back issues also stymied Hood in Utah. However, he hasn’t missed significant time with a back injury in particular since 2016. Still, Hood missed 20-plus games in two of his first three seasons with various injuries. That could become three in four this year, depending on when he returns.

When he has been on the floor with the Cavs, the results have been a little uneven. In 11 games with King James and Co., he’s been limited to single-digit scoring in four games; the same number in which he’s scored 14-plus. He’s never managed more than 15 in any game and is shooting just 32 percent from 3-point range.

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue is hopeful that Hood’s insertion into the starting five will get him going. However, he has to be on the court for that to happen. If he can stay healthy and rediscover his comfort zone, though, he’ll be a major asset to the Cavs come playoff time.

When Hood is hot, few players in the Association are better at getting buckets.

Hornacek on the hot seat?

There’s been a lot of talk recently about the coaching future of Jazz legend Jeff Hornacek with the New York Knicks. The Knicks, who were in the East’s top eight earlier this season, have lost seven straight games and 15 of their last 16.

Despite mounting losses, Hornacek feels secure in his job.

From the New York Post —

"Asked at Tuesday’s morning shootaround if he believes he’ll return as head coach, Hornacek said, “I still have next year. Unless they tell me something different. Everybody does [expect to be back].”"

There have definitely been some extenuating circumstances to the Knicks’ poor performance. Chief among them are massive injuries. Tim Hardaway Jr. missed six weeks of action and All-Star Kristaps Porzingis, went down for the count with an ACL tear early last month.

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I, for one, think Hornacek deserves one more year to right the ship. Whether or not Knicks owner James Dolan feels the same way remains to be seen.