Rodney Hood is hoping for a fresh start in Cleveland following a turbulent five months with the Cavaliers.
His late-season struggles - including his benching during Cleveland's playoff run - likely played a significant role in the 6-foot-8 guard not receiving his desired long-term deal. But Hood is remaining optimistic and wants to settle into a comfortable role with the Cavaliers after accepting his one-year qualifying offer earlier this month, hoping to eventually sign a more lucrative contract next summer.
"I believe strongly in myself that after this year I'll be able to make Cleveland my home and we'll get a better deal next summer," Hood said, according to Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon.
Acquiring Hood was a part of a swift midseason rebuild for the Cavaliers, who desperately dealt half their rotation and hoped a younger core would be a better fit beside LeBron James last February. The results were less-than-stellar, as Cleveland stumbled to its fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance on the back of its helpless star.
"It was a lot of stuff going on where I just couldn't really focus, until the time where I really wasn't playing," Hood said. "And then I was able to lock in and get to myself.
"At first I kind of felt bad for myself, but then it was like I don't want to feel this feeling again, sitting on the bench, or playing eight-to-10 minutes a game. I want to be a big part of a really good team, so that was my focus this whole summer."
Hood, 25, played an integral part in the Utah Jazz's rotation in his three-and-a-half campaigns with the team. The Cavaliers have an aging perimeter rotation of Kyle Korver and J.R. Smith and will likely need to rely on Hood more than last season.