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Rodney Hood Calls It a Career, Announcing Retirement from the NBA
After eight seasons in the NBA, veteran swingman Rodney Hood has officially announced his retirement. The 32-year-old’s journey in professional basketball has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks, and while stepping away from the game wasn’t an easy decision, Hood is at peace with it.
Hood, who played for a variety of teams including the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Clippers, recently revealed to ESPN that the physical toll of injuries led to his decision. His career began in 2014 when he was drafted by the Jazz as the 23rd overall pick after playing college basketball at Duke University. Over his eight-year career, Hood proved to be a valuable contributor, known for his scoring ability and versatility on the floor. Across 448 regular-season games, he averaged 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, with a shooting split of .420/.366/.841.
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One of the most memorable moments in Hood's career came during the 2019 NBA playoffs with the Blazers. He played a pivotal role in one of the most intense games in recent postseason history. In a four-overtime thriller against the Denver Nuggets, Hood’s clutch performance in the final moments of Game 3 helped the Blazers secure a win. This iconic moment would go on to define his time with Portland and solidified his place in Blazer’s playoff history.
Despite his notable contributions, Hood’s career was also marred by injuries, including a torn Achilles, which took a significant toll on his body. After attempting to revive his career in the G League with the Memphis Hustle in 2023, Hood realized that his body was no longer capable of sustaining the demands of professional basketball. "I tried really hard to hold on," he reflected in his retirement announcement. "But I’m at peace with it. It was just my body telling me that I needed to move on."
Hood's playing days may be over, but his love for basketball remains strong. Looking ahead, he plans to stay involved with the game by transitioning into coaching. "I always felt like after my playing career is when I will make my big mark with helping younger guys get to the next level," he shared. Hood hopes to use his experiences—both on and off the court—to mentor the next generation of players.
Reflecting on his journey, Hood expressed immense gratitude for his career. From growing up in Meridian, Mississippi, to being a first-round NBA pick, he has seen it all. "I got a chance to be around and play against some of the best players that ever played," he said, noting the valuable lessons he's learned. “I’ve been through the mud. I dealt with injuries, went through trades, sometimes I was the No. 2 option, sometimes I was the last guy off the bench.” This wealth of experience, he believes, will serve him well as he embarks on his next chapter in basketball.
Rodney Hood's decision to retire marks the end of an era for a player whose career may not have been defined by superstardom, but who will certainly be remembered for his heart, resilience, and the memorable moments he provided for fans throughout his career. We wish him all the best as he transitions into coaching and continues to inspire the next generation of basketball talent.
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