Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the New York Knicks

By Ian Levy

DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Noel Nerlens #3 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Noel Nerlens #3 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 15: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 15: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Rodney Hood

Hood has been an absolute disaster for the Cavaliers, falling out of their playoff rotation despite the team’s lack of consistent and competent wing play. If you accept the fact that some of his struggles are situational and still trust his talent — his struggles are ideal, simply driving down his value.

Hood is still just 25, and averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per 36 minutes across his first three seasons in Utah, shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 36.4 percent on 3-pointers. As a secondary creator and pick-and-roll initiator, his ceiling is much higher than Tim Hardaway Jr.’s and he could be a nice addition to a wing rotation short on offensive firepower.

Hood is a restricted free agent and there would be a fine line to walk between offering him a low-enough deal to be worth the risk for New York, but not low enough that the Cavaliers would match simply to avoid letting him walk for free. The bottom line is that he’s probably not going to be in Cleveland next year and could absolutely be useful for the Knicks.

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