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LAS VEGAS — As a television photographer, I get the unique opportunity to shoot games from the front row. I get a unique perspective being so close to the action. After the game is over I begin to edit the plays. Invariably, upon watching the game for a second time, certain things stand out to me.
So, upon further review, here are four things that I learned about Rodney Hood on Monday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Rodney Hood does not struggle with the additional NBA length. Shoots easy and smooth. Effortless.
When Gordon Hayward entered the league, he told me that the extra 3-point distance was brutal. He said he felt like he was "throwing the ball at the hoop." Hood does not struggle with the extra three feet. His shot flows as smoothly Mrs. Butterworth does over hot waffles. Watching Hood shoot is as effortless and relaxing as a massage.
Hood is a really good and unselfish passer.
Most shooters seem allergic to the pass — you know, like one of those really nasty allergens. Shooters don't even want the floor to touch the ball, but Hood is a nifty passer. In two summer league games, Hood has six assists; exactly the same amount as Shabazz Muhammad had in 290 minutes as a rookie.
Rodney Hoods shoes are sparkly
Rodney's shoes make me think that they were assaulted by my ten-year-old daughter's Bedazzler and glitter lotion.
Rodney hurts opponents physically as well as emotionally
As if scoring 29 points and hitting 7-for-10 from three wasn't painful enough for Milwaukee, Hood taught Bucks guard CJ Williams not to crowd him on the perimeter. It's too painful to describe, you have to watch the video. Every man knows this feeling and Williams doesn't exactly try to conceal what happened to him. Lesson to be learned: Don't get up in his business or he'll hit you in yours.
