National Basketball Association

Utah Jazz Media Day: Joe Johnson Taking Rodney Hood Under His Wing

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Utah Jazz wing Rodney Hood has big potential as a wing player in the NBA. Joe Johnson, a former seven-time All-Star, is helping him maximize that talent.

The 2016-17 NBA season is a big one for Rodney Hood. After struggling through a bout with plantar fasciitis for a significant portion of his rookie season, he recovered to claim a starting spot on the Utah Jazz. In his second year, he elevated his game once again, proving himself as one of the most dynamic scorers on the team.

Now in is third year, and with the team looking to make some major noise in the Western Conference, Hood will be expected to contribute on a higher level than ever before.

While Hood considers himself equal to the challenge and is coming off a summer in which he worked hard on his game with teammate Shelvin Mack in Atlanta, the former Duke star has a new mentor on the team that is determined to help him realize his potential. Namely his new teammate, former seven-time All-Star Joe Johnson.

Speaking with the Jazz radio team of David Locke and Ron Boone during Jazz Media Day, Hood said that Johnson has been working with him. “He’s bringing me under his wing, so it’s been fun just to get a chance to see and learn from him,” Hood explained.

According to the 23-year-old, the biggest thing he has learned from “Iso Joe” is to take the extra time and preparation needed to compete on the hardwood at a high level. “The preparation he does, he’s been doing it for 16 years. He’s been an All-Star. He’s just a laid back guy that just likes to work hard.”

Hood has been working hard himself and is looking for different ways to help his team. When asked by Locke about playing physically and looking to get to the free throw line in open gym, Hood identified it as something he’s looking to add to his game this season.

“Got to get to the free throw line this year,” he said. “Some of my teammates don’t like it right now, but guys do it to us. Just trying to get to the free throw line; make the game easier for my team and myself.”