Rodney Hood is in the midst of the remaking of a torn Achilles tendon on the left. He joins the long list of players – including Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins and former Knick Wesley Matthews – who have undergone or are undergoing rehabilitation of the same injury. Hood was spotted on the field again while practicing the Portland Trailblazers’ practice facility, but clearly has a long way to go before returning to the basketball court.
Hood has a $ 6 million player option for the 2020-21 season. Recently, in April, Hood said he expected to return with the Trailblazers next season. However, the free agency doesn’t start until October 2020. This gives Hood a chance to be very close to full recovery by that date.
The Knicks, knowing this, could easily persuade Hood to refuse his player option while gambling on his return in full health with a 1 + 1 balloon contract. His defense and three-point proficiency are very valuable traits for the Knicks. Before the injury, Hood fired 51% from the field and almost 50% from three.
The Knicks also have the advantage of Walt Perrin. Perrin explored Hood while he was with Utah Jazz and encouraged the front office to draw it in 2014, despite falling into the draft and refusing to train with the team.